PAC-3 MSE interceptor achieves IOC
The US Army has declared initial operational capability (IOC) for the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptor, Lockheed Martin announced on 16 August.
The PAC-3 MSE uses hit-to-kill technology to defend against incoming threats such as aircraft, cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles. The MSE features larger fins, dual-pulse solid rocket motor and other structural modifications which almost double the PAC-3’s reach along with enhancing its performance against evolving threats.
Scott Arnold, vice president of PAC-3 programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said: ‘PAC-3 MSE reaching IOC is important because it gives our soldiers an operational capability against imminent threats.’
PAC-3 was selected by the US Army to increase the intercept capability of its heritage Patriot system against tactical ballistic missiles. Lockheed Martin received the contract for increasing the range and altitude of the PAC-3 in 2003. The PAC-3 MSE received Milestone C early in 2014, and the company got its first contract in the same year.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Romania opens the chequebook and reorganises as it watches Russian aggression]()
Romania opens the chequebook and reorganises as it watches Russian aggression
Romania is retiring old systems, some Soviet, and replacing them with western equipment from countries such as Sweden and Turkey and boosting existing modern fleets.
-
![Milrem picks Texelis for partnership in drive to develop large UGV]()
Milrem picks Texelis for partnership in drive to develop large UGV
Milrem has delivered or is building a total of 200 Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System UGVs and has chosen Texelis as partner in its effort to develop a UGV.
-
![Sweden takes delivery of first M3 amphibious bridge and ferry system]()
Sweden takes delivery of first M3 amphibious bridge and ferry system
The most recent nation to join NATO has joined other member nations in using the M3 system.
-
![CV90 delivery to Slovakia imminent]()
CV90 delivery to Slovakia imminent
Slovakia is undergoing a radical refresh of its equipment, like many central and eastern European countries, and the arrival of new vehicles will form a substantial part of this.
-
![Mortar mobility: Patria’s TREMOS takes aim at the modern battlespace]()
Mortar mobility: Patria’s TREMOS takes aim at the modern battlespace
In conversation... Patria’s Lauri Pauniaho talks to Shephard's Gerrard Cowan about how high mobility levels are essential for mortar systems in the face of modern counter-battery fire, and how a new platform-agnostic module can combine existing vehicles and mortar barrels into a cost-effective new weapon system.
