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
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![Borsuk IFV programme marks turning point for Poland’s armoured modernisation]()
Borsuk IFV programme marks turning point for Poland’s armoured modernisation
The Borsuk vehicles are to replace the Soviet-designed BMP-1 as the Polish military’s main tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV).
-
![DroneShield nets largest order ever with $40 million European CUAS contract]()
DroneShield nets largest order ever with $40 million European CUAS contract
The package of three standalone follow-on contracts makes this the largest contract won by the Australian company and larger than its total 2024 revenue.
-
![US Army modernisation plans raise big concerns for lawmakers]()
US Army modernisation plans raise big concerns for lawmakers
The termination of programmes such as JLTV and RCV has been harshly criticised by members of the US Congress.
-
![The power of partnership: GDMS–UK deepens cooperation with the British Army]()
The power of partnership: GDMS–UK deepens cooperation with the British Army
In Conversation: Shephard's Gerrard Cowan talks to General Dynamics Mission Systems–United Kingdom’s Chris Burrows about how the company's UK TacCIS business is reshaping battlefield communications through sustained customer engagement, accelerated innovation and ecosystem collaboration.
-
![Sweden to purchase IRIS-T air defence systems for $930 million]()
Sweden to purchase IRIS-T air defence systems for $930 million
This recent purchase of the medium-range air defence system adds to the country’s ongoing efforts to ramp up its overall defence readiness and capabilities.
