Maryland-based defence giant Lockheed Martin has announced that it has landed a $1.5 billion contract for production and delivery of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missiles and PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) missiles.
According to the company’s news release, the contract includes PAC-3 and PAC-3 MSE interceptor deliveries for the US Army, and foreign military sales of PAC-3 interceptors, associated equipment and spares for the Republic of Korea, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates, Lockheed officials said.
“The PAC-3 and the PAC-3 MSE interceptors are the most advanced, capable and reliable terminal air defence missiles in the world,” said Scott Arnold, Lockheed Martin’s vice president of PAC-3 programs.
“As threats grow in complexity, these interceptors will continue to be in high demand to protect soldiers and citizens around the globe.”
Lockheed’s Camden facility has been involved in Patriot missile integration program since 2001, and will do final assembly on the PAC-3 and PAC-3 MSE Missiles under the new contract.
The PAC-3 Missile is a high velocity interceptor that defends against incoming threats including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft using hit-to-kill technology. PAC-3 currently provides missile defence capabilities for six nations – the US, the Netherlands, Germany, Japan, United Arab Emirates and Taiwan; and Lockheed Martin is on contract with four additional nations – Kuwait, Qatar, South Korea and Saudi Arabia.
The PAC-3 MSE missile uses a two-pulse solid rocket motor that increases altitude and range to meet evolving threats.
For more detailed information, visit the company’s PAC-3 and PAC-3 MSE webpages.
