In 2003 U.S. and Kuwaiti forces intercepted all nine Iraqi-launched missiles with PAC-2 and PAC-3 systems.

FORBES: Ready, Aim, Fire

Each launcher holds four missiles - or 16 in the latest "Pac-3" version.

BBC: Fact file: Patriot missile defence

Raytheon's SM-3 has successfully intercepted five of six missiles in tests, and Lockheed Martin's PAC-3 has succeeded in 17 out of 19 tries.

FORBES: Magazine Article

"Japanese manufacturers were worried that the PAC-3 would be 100% imported, " says Keiichi Nagamatsu, managing director for defense production at the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren).

FORBES: On The Cover/Top Stories

PAC-3 (the forthcoming version of the Patriot missile, whose early model was tested during the 1991 Gulf war), and a naval system that might be on American ships by 2003.

ECONOMIST: Rockets overhead

Raytheon is the prime contractor for the PAC-2 Patriot system--much improved since its dismal accuracy in the Gulf war of 1991--and supplies an estimated 50% to 65% of the newer PAC-3 system.

FORBES: Ready, Aim, Fire

Still, the United States and South Korea have raised their defense postures, as has Japan, which deployed PAC-3 missile interceptors in key locations around Tokyo on Tuesday as a precaution against possible North Korean ballistic missile tests.

NPR: NKorea Urges Foreigners To Vacate South Korea

And what - we can't leave out the terminal phase of missile defense, which is things like PAC-3, the Patriot Missile System, and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense or THAAD, which would shoot down on a threat missile in the final phase of its flight.

NPR: Missile Defense, the U.S. and Europe

It isn't quite Rose Bowl season yet, but on Saturday, Big Ten teams went belly-up once more against the Pac-12: a perfect 0-3.

WSJ: College Football: How to Save the Big Ten Conference

In a 27-page complaint, Playoff PAC alleges that the bowls are not complying with their 501(c)(3) charitable status.

FORBES: Playoff PAC Files IRS Complaint Against BCS Bowls