To succeed in a multi-domain environment, sailors need more advanced options to stay ahead of evolving threats.
Lockheed Martin is developing advanced integrated air and missile defense capabilities to give sailors more options using existing capabilities. Investing in a Patriot Advanced Capability – 3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) and Aegis Weapon System integration delivers proven, superior IAMD capabilities in the maritime domain to defend against evolving threats.
PAC-3 MSE: Enabling a Hardened Defense against Maritime Threats
To support employment with the Aegis Weapon System, Lockheed Martin is investing in a PAC-3 MSE and MK41 Vertical Launch System integration. This integration will open the doors for sailors to use the fully qualified, fielded and combat-proven PAC-3 MSE against advanced maritime threats.
Integrating the PAC-3 MSE into naval weapon systems would enable maritime customers to use PAC-3 MSE’s superior capabilities against tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft. PAC-3 MSE’s advanced hit-to-kill technology delivers exponentially more kinetic energy on a target than can be achieved with blast-fragmentation mechanisms, defending against threats, and protecting critical assets.
The PAC-3 MSE’s two-pulse solid rocket motor provides superior performance at altitude and range. PAC-3 MSE’s advanced seeker and highly responsive airframe give the interceptor greater maneuverability against highly mobile threats.
PAC-3 MSE’s advanced capabilities would enable sailors to efficiently defend against threats that currently require several effectors to neutralize.
Ramping Up Production
The PAC-3 MSE program has continually increased its production rates since full-rate production began in 2018. Currently, the PAC-3 MSE program is ramping up to 550 a year by 2024, with plans to continue growing.
To meet increased demand, we opened an 85,000-square-foot production facility expansion in late 2022 at our Camden, Arkansas facility that will support increased production capacity for PAC-3 MSEs.
Proven Integration
The PAC-3 MSE has proven its capabilities with other air defense systems including Patriot, Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS), Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) and now, the Aegis Weapon System.
In Fall of 2022, the Missile Defense Agency conducted a simulated, ground-based demonstration to access the feasibility of establishing the required interfaces between Aegis Ashore and the PAC-3 MSE systems. The test successfully proved simulated PAC-3 engagements and confirmed communication pathways between the two systems.
To fully integrate into the Aegis Weapon System, Lockheed Martin is investing in PAC-3 MSE’s integration with the MK41 VLS to offer an affordable solution for PAC-3 MSE employment on maritime platforms.