Next-generation PAC-3 missile has successful test at White Sands

A PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement successfully engaged, intercepted and destroyed a tactical ballistic missile target over White Sands Missile Range during a test earlier this week. The test was conducted by PAC-3 MSE's prime contractor Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Army Lower Tier Project Office.
During the test, Patriot ground support equipment fired two PAC-3 MSE missiles from a launching station to intercept the TBM. According to Lockheed, the first interceptor destroyed the target and the second PAC-3 MSE Missile self-destructed as planned.
"Today's flight test provided another example of how the PAC-3 MSE Missile has significantly expanded the Patriot battlespace, engaging a TBM at unprecedented range," said Richard McDaniel, vice president of PAC-3 programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "This test was especially satisfying as it came just a few days after the first successful Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) intercept flight test in which another PAC-3 MSE Missile intercepted a threat representative air-breathing target in an over-the-shoulder engagement."

The PAC-3 MSE expands the altitude and range capabilities of the PAC-3 Missile while using the existing hit-to-kill technology. The PAC-3 MSE is packaged in a single canister that stacks to provide more flexibility to the Patriot air defense system.
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control is prime contractor for the PAC-3 Missile Segment and Missile Segment Enhancement upgrades to the Patriot air defense system.