Lockheed tests PAC-3 performance
Lockheed Martin has demonstrated the PAC-3 Cost Reduction Initiative (CRI) interceptor’s ability to counter tactical ballistic missile targets during testing that took place at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.
The testing took place on 7 November, during which two PAC-3 CRI systems intercepted two tactical ballistic targets, supporting the US Army's Field Surveillance Program (FSP) that ensures the reliability and readiness of the Patriot air defence system’s missiles.
Additionally, the test also marked the 12th and 13th successful PAC-3 CRI FSP intercepts over a seven-year period.
The US Army-led missile defence flight test demonstrated the hit-to-kill capability of the PAC-3 family of missiles, which defends against threats through body-to-body contact.
The test also reconfirmed PAC-3 CRI's ability to detect, track and intercept incoming missiles while meeting fielded reliability requirements, Lockheed says.
The test was observed by representatives from the US Army as well as current and potential Foreign Military Sales customers.
‘PAC-3 continues its long history of reliability and readiness in the field and remains the only combat proven hit-to-kill interceptor in the world,’ Jay Pitman, VP of PAC-3 programmes at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said.
‘Today's global security environment demands reliable solutions. We expect PAC-3 interceptors to continue serving as an essential element in integrated, layered defence systems.’
The PAC-3 CRI and Missile Segment Enhancement warheads are high-velocity interceptors that defend against incoming threats, including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft.
Fourteen nations have procured the PAC-3 interceptor, namely the US, Germany, Kuwait, Japan, Qatar, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, Romania, Poland, Sweden and Bahrain.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![DSEI 2025: IDV sets eyes on British Army vehicle deal as MD calls for “acceleration” of efforts]()
DSEI 2025: IDV sets eyes on British Army vehicle deal as MD calls for “acceleration” of efforts
The UK’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP) to replace thousands of vehicles is in flux as the tender for the Light Mobility Vehicle segment planned for November is set to be missed. IDV Robotics’ Dr Geoff Davis is calling for the UK government to focus broadly on indigenous capability for procurement and to do it faster.
-
![DSEI 2025: Avon Protection provides first sight of new goggle and details on half mask]()
DSEI 2025: Avon Protection provides first sight of new goggle and details on half mask
Avon Protection has been growing and improving its integrated systems offerings. Last year the company released its Exoskin total protective suit system and earlier this year the MITR-M1 half mask.
-
![DSEI 2025: Elbit Systems set to field joint fires systems as it looks to large UK requirements]()
DSEI 2025: Elbit Systems set to field joint fires systems as it looks to large UK requirements
Elbit Systems UK was awarded the Dismounted Joint Fires Integrators (D-JFI) programme in January 2021, which will integrate with the UK’s army, marines and air force. The parent company has decades of heritage in the UK and is looking to compete for the Watchkeeper drone replacement.
-
![DSEI 2025: Milrem’s Havoc 8×8 robot to undergo live firing trials next year]()
DSEI 2025: Milrem’s Havoc 8×8 robot to undergo live firing trials next year
The Havoc uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) was unveiled at IDEX 2025 in February. It is built around a hybrid electric powertrain which provides silent running over medium distances and silent watch for extended periods of time.
-
![DSEI 2025: ST Engineering kicks off export drive for new Bronco 3]()
DSEI 2025: ST Engineering kicks off export drive for new Bronco 3
The original Bronco was developed to meet the requirements of the Singapore Army and subsequently built in large numbers and many configurations.
-
![DSEI 2025: ST Engineering and ARIS discuss partnership to offer Bronco all-terrain carrier to Italian Army.]()
DSEI 2025: ST Engineering and ARIS discuss partnership to offer Bronco all-terrain carrier to Italian Army.
On the show floor at DSEI 2025, representatives from ST Engineering and ARIS, and retired Italian general Ivan Caruso outlined the background to the teaming agreement with land warfare expert Christopher F Foss.
