Lockheed Martin to supply first PAC-3 MSE missiles
Lockheed Martin has received the first production order of the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) from the US Army Aviation and Missile Command, for the production and delivery of PAC-3 MSE missiles and Launcher Modifications Kits (LMKs). The contract, worth $611 million, was announced on 28 April.
The PAC-3 MSE increases the altitude and range of the PAC-3 missile, with the addition of more powerful dual-pulse motor for added thrust, along with larger fins and other structural modifications for more agility. The two-pulse solid rocket motor provides increased performance while retaining the same proven hit-to-kill technology that the PAC-3 Missile brings to the Patriot system.
The PAC-3 MSE’s larger fins collapse to allow the missile to fit into the current PAC-3 launcher, and give the interceptor more manoeuvrability against faster and more sophisticated ballistic and cruise missiles. The launcher modification kits enable the Patriot Configuration 3 launcher to control and launch the hit-to-kill PAC-3 Missiles, as well as heritage Patriot missiles.
Scott Arnold, vice president of PAC-3 programs, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said: ‘These enhancements are the natural, pre-planned evolution of a system that was first demonstrated 20 years ago. Every current Patriot-using nation is a candidate to upgrade their PAC-3 systems to the PAC-3 MSE.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Germany signs multi-billion-dollar deals for 6x6 CAVS and GDELS Eagle vehicles]()
Germany signs multi-billion-dollar deals for 6x6 CAVS and GDELS Eagle vehicles
The order is a further boost for the Common Armoured Vehicles System programme which has notched notable successes in the past 12 months. The first vehicle, made in Finland, will be delivered next year with local production expected to ramp up in 2027.
-
![Rheinmetall and KNDS tank tie-up narrows trans-European options]()
Rheinmetall and KNDS tank tie-up narrows trans-European options
The French and German governments signed an agreement in June 2018 to cooperate on the development of a new main battle tank under the Main Ground Combat System programme but the effort has struggled. This new agreement may damage it further.
-
![Hungary set to begin using Hero 400 loitering munitions]()
Hungary set to begin using Hero 400 loitering munitions
Developed by Israel's Uvision and with systems being sold in the thousands to multiple European NATO countries and the US, the Hero family of loitering systems is also in production in the US and Italy, the latter through Rheinmetall.
-
![Light Reconnaissance Strike – enabling a vital mission set (Studio)]()
Light Reconnaissance Strike – enabling a vital mission set (Studio)
A new system-of-systems concept will unlock digital integration of sensors and weapons for Light Forces, allowing them to shape the battlefield environment on their own terms and upgrade legacy platforms.
