US beefs up ballistic missile defences - Lockheed Martin gets $50m to support development of PAC-3 MSE interceptor for THAAD missile defence system

The United States continues to work on integrating the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptor into the Terminal High Altitude Air Defence (THAAD) missile defence system.

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The US Department of Defense has announced a $50 million award to Lockheed Martin to support the development of the PAC-3 MSE missile defense system for the THAAD complex. Work on the contract will take place at a plant in Texas and is expected to be completed by December 31, 2025.

Lockheed Martin reported in late March 2022 that the PAC-3 MSE was successfully integrated and tested as part of the THAAD missile defence system. During the tests, which were conducted jointly with the Missile Defense Agency and the US Army, THAAD was able to successfully engage an airborne threat that mimicked a ballistic missile.

According to the manufacturer, THAAD with the PAC-3 MSE provides a multi-layered missile defence. The missile interceptor differs from the version for the MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile system by having a new propulsion system. The engine increases the launch range and manoeuvrability of the munition.

Source: Pentagon