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.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
Can NATO’s CUAS marketplace turn urgent demand into deliveries?
Framework contracts and leasing options aim to shorten acquisition timelines, while manufacturing partnerships could help suppliers scale production to meet allied demand.
-
A medium UGV market emerges as the US weighs up its options
The US is pursuing multiple UGV programmes, from commercial robotic platforms to new autonomy technologies. The combination of these efforts could prove key to turning ambition into operational capability.
-
NATO looks for answers to overcome standards hurdles and improve procurement
NATO is looking to artificial intelligence to provide integration between different C2 systems to create a common operational picture, potentially offering a faster route to interoperability than the slow-moving processes of NATO standards committees.
-
NATO FUSE exercise plays out real-world scenario in the face of eastern border risks
The large-scale exercise in Latvia was the culmination of three experimentation initiatives to see how platforms, weapons and systems could fit into the alliance’s Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative. As well as forces, it brought together companies and equipment.
-
Canada accelerates uncrewed aerial system procurement for NATO and Arctic forces
Canada plans to acquire at least 120 uncrewed aerial systems through two competitions with combined funding ceilings of C$32 million.