PAC-3 in successful firing
Lockheed Martin’s PAC-3 missile successfully intercepted an incoming target during a missile defence flight test led by the US Army on 19 November at White Sands Missile Range, the company announced on 24 November.
The test saw the PAC-3 interceptor successfully detect, track and intercept a Patriot-as-a-Target - a legacy Patriot missile modified to represent a tactical ballistic missile.
The PAC-3 missile is a high-velocity interceptor that defends against incoming threats including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft using hit-to-kill technology.
The test followed an earlier firing on 12 November, during which PAC-3 intercepted an airborne target as part of the army’s Integrated Air & Missile Defense Battle Command System flight test at White Sands.
Scott Arnold, vice president, PAC-3 programs, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said: ‘The PAC-3 Missile continues to demonstrate its reliability in the field, and it remains the only combat proven hit-to-kill interceptor in the world. As global threats escalate, we expect PAC-3 interceptors to continue serving as a critical defence layer in the protection of soldiers, citizens and infrastructure.’
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