PAC-3 MSE interceptor achieves IOC
The US Army has declared initial operational capability (IOC) for the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptor, Lockheed Martin announced on 16 August.
The PAC-3 MSE uses hit-to-kill technology to defend against incoming threats such as aircraft, cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles. The MSE features larger fins, dual-pulse solid rocket motor and other structural modifications which almost double the PAC-3’s reach along with enhancing its performance against evolving threats.
Scott Arnold, vice president of PAC-3 programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said: ‘PAC-3 MSE reaching IOC is important because it gives our soldiers an operational capability against imminent threats.’
PAC-3 was selected by the US Army to increase the intercept capability of its heritage Patriot system against tactical ballistic missiles. Lockheed Martin received the contract for increasing the range and altitude of the PAC-3 in 2003. The PAC-3 MSE received Milestone C early in 2014, and the company got its first contract in the same year.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![DSEI 2025: Thales creating new remote weapon station and Storm 2 counter-drone jammer]()
DSEI 2025: Thales creating new remote weapon station and Storm 2 counter-drone jammer
Thales launched Storm-H in 2012 as an EW system equipping individual dismounted troops, and a decade later revealed details to develop the improved and more powerful Storm 2.
-
![The integration between drones and land vehicles is accelerating]()
The integration between drones and land vehicles is accelerating
Drones and military ground vehicles are increasingly being designed to operate together as a single platform or even to convert crewed systems to automated ones.
-
![Denmark shuns US platform as it settles on SAMP/T air defence system]()
Denmark shuns US platform as it settles on SAMP/T air defence system
The acquisition, which is part of the country’s broader defence package worth DKK58 billion (US$9.2 billion), goes against the grain with many other European countries opting for the US’s popular Patriot platform.
-
![In depth: Competition for British Army vehicle programme heats up, despite more delays]()
In depth: Competition for British Army vehicle programme heats up, despite more delays
The UK’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP) seems set to be delayed once again but industry is jockeying for position to partner in what would be one of the biggest ever buys for the British Army.
-
![DSEI 2025: AM General has partner lined up for British Army vehicle programme]()
DSEI 2025: AM General has partner lined up for British Army vehicle programme
AM General’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) A2 is in low-rate initial production and the company is looking for export orders, notably the UK’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP), to add to a recent approval for Canada to buy vehicles.
-
![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.
