A Lockheed Martin PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptor successfully detected, tracked and intercepted a tactical ballistic missile target today in a test at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. The test verified missile software and hardware component upgrades that enable future performance of the PAC-3 MSE interceptor to keep pace against expanding threats of today and tomorrow. The PAC-3 family of missiles are the only combat proven Hit-to-Kill interceptors that defend against incoming threats, including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft. Ten nations – the United States, Qatar, Japan, Romania, Poland, the United Arab Emirates, Sweden, Korea, Bahrain and Germany – have signed agreements to procure PAC-3 MSE interceptors.
We are continuously looking for ways to improve the PAC-3 missile, increase its capabilities and expand the missile’s ability to defend against the growing number of potential threats,” said Brenda Davidson, vice president of PAC-3 Programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “Flight tests like this demonstrate Lockheed Martin’s commitment to increasing the performance of PAC-3.”
The PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) is an evolution of the battle-proven PAC-3 Cost Reduction Initiative (CRI) Missile. The hit-to-kill PAC-3 MSE expands the lethal battlespace with a two-pulse solid rocket motor to increase performance in altitude and range and effectively counter evolving threat advancements. It is the world’s most advanced and capable air defense missile, defending against the PATRIOT Air Defense
System threat: Tactical Ballistic Missiles (TBMs), cruise missiles and aircraft. As the U.S. Army increases its inventory, we expect to see continued demand for PAC-3 MSE. More than sixty PAC-3 CRI and MSE missiles have successfully intercepted targets in flight testing. The U.S. Army declared Initial Operational Capability for the PAC-3 MSE in 2016 and approved it for Full Rate Production in 2018.
