PAC-3 MSE sets distance record in intercept test

Lockheed Martin’s PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptor has successfully intercepted an air-breathing threat (ABT) in a test at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, the company announced on 26 July.

The test marked the furthest distance a PAC-3 MSE missile has intercepted an ABT. 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 the high-velocity interceptor PAC-3 MSE’s ability to detect, track and intercept incoming ABTs, which represent fixed-wing aircraft or cruise missiles.

Jay Pitman, VP of PAC-3 programmes at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said: ‘PAC-3 MSE continues to be successful against today’s evolving threats and this most recent test validates its effectiveness at extreme distances.

‘Today’s global security environment demands reliable solutions. We expect PAC-3 hit-to-kill interceptors to continue serving as an essential element in integrated, layered defence systems.’

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