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.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![Hanwha debuts with US Army deal worth up to $3.6 billion as it eyes future M109 replacement]()
Hanwha debuts with US Army deal worth up to $3.6 billion as it eyes future M109 replacement
The Mobile Tactical Cannon is to replace the US Army’s M777 towed howitzers which could result in the procurement of almost 500 systems at an estimated $3.59 billion.
-
![US pours another $23 billion into Arsenal of Freedom to ramp up missile production]()
US pours another $23 billion into Arsenal of Freedom to ramp up missile production
The US Department of Defense (DoD) is spending billions of dollars to accelerate missile production to meet demands from the war against Iran and requirements in Ukraine. Manufacture of SM-3 and PAC-3 interceptors is being ramped up, alongside a $22.9 billion commitment to Tomahawk cruise missiles.
-
![Rheinmetall advances longer 155mm ordnance with 30% range increase]()
Rheinmetall advances longer 155mm ordnance with 30% range increase
Rheinmetall has begun initial firing trials of a new 155mm/60-calibre artillery ordnance that could deliver up to 30% greater range than its existing 155mm/52-calibre system, as production of the current gun expands across Germany and the UK.
-
![Trans-European iMUGS2 uncrewed systems programme set for three-day exercise in 2028]()
Trans-European iMUGS2 uncrewed systems programme set for three-day exercise in 2028
The next stage of the Integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System (iMUGS) programme, dubbed iMUGS2, was launched in November 2025. Three major demonstrations are planned before the end of 2028.
