Lockheed Martin has won a new $1.45 billion contract to deliver PAC-3 missiles to the U.S. and its allied military forces, the Bethesda, Maryland-based defense contractor has announced.
According to the press release, the contract calls for delivery of Lockheed’s PAC-3 (Patriot Advanced Capability-3) and PAC-3 MSE (Missile Segment Enhancement) interceptors to the U.S. Army, as well as PAC-3 interceptors, launcher modification kits, associated equipment and spares for Qatar, the Republic of Korea, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates.
“PAC-3 and PAC-3 MSE provide our customers and especially the deployed warfighter with unmatched terminal air- and missile-defense capabilities,” said Scott Arnold, Lockheed Martin’s vice president of PAC-3 programs. “PAC-3 and MSE are trusted and reliable interceptors that employ advanced hit-to-kill technology, enabling better accuracy, enhanced safety and improved lethality when it matters most.”
The PAC-3 missile is a high-velocity interceptor that will defend against a variety of threats, including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft, Lockheed says. Right now, there are six countries that use PAC-3 missiles for defense: the U.S., the Netherlands, Germany, Japan, the United Arab Emirates and Taiwan. Kuwait is also procuring PAC-3 missiles.
PAC-3 MSE missiles, meanwhile, use a “two-pulse solid rocket motor” that boosts altitude and range to defend against threats, the press release says.
For additional information, visit http://www.lockheedmartin.com