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
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
AFA 2026: USAF examines uncrewed cargo aircraft for contested logistics
The US Air Force is evaluating demonstrators for uncrewed cargo missions as it considers logistics requirements across the Pacific and other contested environments.
-
Germany air focus: Europe’s leading near-term air market targets domestic industry
Between 2026 and 2032, almost a quarter of EU aircraft spending is expected to come from Germany. While crewed programmes seek modernisation and replacement, uncrewed opportunities look to introduce entirely new capabilities, with both highlighting sovereignty and domestic production.
-
India’s rotary-wing capability gap grows as IMRH programme delays persist
With IMRH and DBMRH potentially years from service, India faces a widening rotary-wing capability gap that could drive further foreign purchases even as HAL and Safran build the foundations of an indigenous successor.
-
AFA 2026: Swarm Aero eyes 2027 Gamera flight as Textron/Merlin reveal SkyCourier UX
Two new uncrewed aircraft concepts target very different US military requirements, from massed long-range strike to autonomous logistics. Shephard spoke with executives from Swarm Aero, Textron Aviation and Merlin Labs at this year's AFA Air, Space & Cyber conference to learn more about their capabilities.
-
US Navy moves EA-18G Growler Block II electronic-attack upgrade into full-rate production
A US$184.25 million contract for Next Generation Electronic Attack Units advances the Growler’s modernisation as the US Navy confronts ageing systems, parts shortages and obsolescence.