PAC-3 MSE is designed to counter a range of aerial threats including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft. Credit: U.S. Army.

The US Department of State has approved a possible sale of 500 Patriot PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptors to Ukraine, in a package valued at an estimated $2.1bn. 

The proposed Foreign Military Sale includes classified and unclassified spare parts, logistics and programme support.  

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Lockheed Martin has been identified as the principal contractor. 

According to the Department of State, the purchase will be funded by Canada, Germany, and Norway through the JUMPSTART programme, along with EU-supported national funds. No US money will be used, the government said. 

PAC-3 MSE missiles are hit-to-kill interceptors designed for use with the Patriot air-defence system. They are intended to engage tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft. 

The MSE variant uses a two-pulse solid rocket motor, which the US description says increases its performance in altitude and range compared with the PAC-3 Cost Reduction Initiative interceptor.  

A Patriot launcher can carry either 12 MSE missiles or a mixed load of six MSE and eight PAC-3 CRI missiles. 

The State Department said the proposed transfer would strengthen Ukraine’s integrated air and missile defence capability and support continued operation of its existing Patriot systems against aerial threats. 

The sale does not require additional US government or contractor personnel to be assigned to Ukraine, according to the department. The implementation will “not adversely impact US defence readiness”, it stated. 

The announcement coincides with Lockheed Martin’s plans to expand PAC-3 MSE production, following a July agreement to triple interceptor output by 2030 under a seven-year US government contract worth up to $53.86bn.  

Last week, the US Government, Lockheed Martin, and European allies selected Poland as the location for a maintenance facility dedicated to PAC-3 missiles in Europe.  

The site will handle repairs, refurbishment, lifecycle support, and re-certification of PAC-3 interceptors.