In which year did the Patriot missile system first see combat?

The Patriot missile system first saw combat in 1991 during the Gulf War. This conflict marked a significant testing ground for the system, as it was deployed to intercept incoming Iraqi Scud missiles aimed at coalition forces and civilian targets in Saudi Arabia and Israel. The successful interception of these missiles was crucial in demonstrating the effectiveness of the Patriot system and solidifying its reputation as a vital asset in modern warfare. The system's performance during this conflict helped to pave the way for its use in future military operations, illustrating its capabilities in real combat scenarios.