Lockheed Martin wins $524m contract for PAC-3 missile interceptors

Lockheed Martin's PAC-3 MSE interceptor obliterates incoming threats by striking them directly at extremely high velocity. Credit: PRNewsfoto/ Lockheed Martin.

Lockheed Martin has secured a modification contract for production and delivery of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) and PAC-3 missile segment enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) interceptors.

The contract is valued at approximately $524m. It is set to enable the US and allied military forces, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Romania, to upgrade their missile defence capabilities.

The modification award comes after Lockheed Martin received a $944m contract for PAC-3 and PAC-3 MSE production and delivery in December.

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control PAC-3 programmes vice-president Jay Pitman said: “PAC-3 and PAC-3 MSE give our customers unmatched, combat-proven hit-to-kill technology to address growing and evolving threats.

“PAC-3 and MSE are proven, trusted and reliable interceptors that employ hit-to-kill accuracy, lethality and enhanced safety to address dangers around the world.”

In addition to PAC-3 and PAC-3 MSE missile deliveries, the scope of the contract includes launcher modification kits and associated ground support equipment and spares.

Work under the latest contract will be carried out in the US in Grand Prairie, Texas; Huntsville, Alabama; Camden, Arizona; Lufkin, Texas; Chelmsford, Massachusetts; and Ocala, Florida, with an estimated completion date of 31 January 2021.

Serving as a high-velocity interceptor, the PAC-3 offers defensive capabilities against incoming threats such as tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft.

The PAC-3 MSE is equipped with a two-pulse solid rocket motor to provide increased altitude and range to better tackle evolving threats.

Currently, 11 nations have deployed the PAC-3 for missile defence capabilities, including Germany, Kuwait, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, the Netherlands, and the United Arab Emirates.