Lockheed Martin receives $1.45b for PAC-3/MSE

Lockheed Martin has received a $1.45 billion contract for production and delivery of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) and PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) interceptors, the company announced on 22 December.

The contract covers PAC-3 MSE and PAC-3 interceptors, launcher modification kits, associated equipment and spares for US and foreign military sales customers, including Qatar, the Republic of Korea, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates.

The PAC-3 missile is a high-velocity interceptor designed to protect against tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft. The PAC-3 MSE missile builds on the PAC-3, with a two-pulse solid rocket motor that increases altitude and range to meet evolving threats.

Scott Arnold, Lockheed Martin's vice president of PAC-3 programs, said: ‘PAC-3 and PAC-3 MSE provide our customers and especially the deployed warfighter with unmatched terminal air- and missile-defence capabilities. 

‘PAC-3 and MSE are trusted and reliable interceptors that employ advanced hit-to-kill technology, enabling better accuracy, enhanced safety and improved lethality when it matters most.’