Lockheed’s deal to triple PAC-3 MSE production opens doors to portfolio boost
The PAC-3 MSE is an ungraded variant of the PAC-3 with increased altitude and range. (Photo: US Army)
Lockheed Martin and the US Department of Defense (DoD) have signed an agreement that would see the manufacturer triple its production and delivery of PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptors.
According to the company, the seven-year agreement with the US DoD is designed to see annual capacity increase from 600 to 2,000 PAC-3 MSEs. An initial contract award is expected in FY2026.
Speaking to Shephard in November, Lockheed Martin missiles and fires president Tim Cahill said that the company was already well placed to ramp up production for its PAC-3 MSE interceptors – with a projected target of 750 by 2027. According to
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
Further investments in OWE and launchers to boost British Army deep fires capability
Two contracts are expected to be signed by March 2026 that will help bolster the force’s capabilities, with further trials of the launcher expected across other departments.
-
Scaling for diverse fleet needs: How many CCA will be acquired per crewed aircraft?
There is currently no industry standard in the ratio of uncrewed to crewed aircraft. Because collaborative combat aircraft vary widely in capability and crewed-uncrewed teaming availability, while country-specific requirements vary, it is unlikely that a single CCA configuration will meet all operational needs.
-
Focus on economy over capability highlights the cost imperative for CCA success
Striking the right balance between cost and capability is likely to become more crucial in the increasingly competitive collaborative combat aircraft market. Shephard’s special CCA market report examines where the opportunities lie for suppliers.
-
France and India secure long-term defence roadmap built on shared production
Expanded fighter jet and missile production, next-generation engine cooperation and helicopter assembly deals have all been struck between the two countries, signalling a strengthening bilateral partnership between France and India.
-
L3Harris begins work on South Korean AEW&C aircraft, eyes further international opportunities
The company remains upbeat about its Indo-Pacific and European prospects, with its AERIS X system onboard a Bombardier 6500 proving an attractive option for air forces’ growing AEW&C needs.
-
Saudi Arabia air report: The world’s fourth-largest UAV market seeks to strengthen domestic industry
With $9.18 billion in uncontracted programmes — including a potential multi-billion-dollar MQ-9B deal — Saudi Arabia’s UAV sector is poised for significant further growth and industrial expansion.