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4 clusters · 26 sources · 10 days · First seen · Last updated

Lockheed Martin PAC-3 Edge development

Overview

Lockheed Martin has introduced the PAC-3 Edge, a next-generation interceptor developed for the U.S. Army’s Future Interceptor program to counter hypersonic and advanced ballistic missile threats.

Building upon the existing PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) platform, the new system incorporates a new seeker from Lockheed Martin’s Strigo Product Center, improved flight-control systems, and a multi-pulse solid rocket motor from Northrop Grumman. These upgrades are designed to provide the agility, range, and altitude necessary to intercept maneuvering, high-speed targets. The interceptor is intended to enhance the capabilities of the Patriot air defense system and is expected to utilize existing launch facilities.

Lockheed Martin has invested approximately $250 million in the Strigo Product Center to support seeker development, with total technology investments potentially reaching $800 million. The company aims for a production rate of roughly 2,000 units per year, maintaining costs comparable to the current PAC-3 MSE. This development follows increased demand for air defense munitions to replenish stocks used in conflicts such as those in Ukraine and the Middle East. Testing is slated to begin in 2027, with a target for operational deployment by 2031.

Ahead of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) conference, Lockheed Martin also unveiled the PAC-3 ACE, a low-cost alternative to the MSE. The ACE variant aims to reduce costs by more than half by utilizing a single-pulse rocket motor and a fragmentation warhead rather than relying on kinetic impact. While compatible with the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS), some experts have raised questions regarding its effectiveness in ballistic missile defense compared to older models.

Entities

Northrop Grumman · PAC-3 Edge · Lockheed Martin · U.S. Army · US Army

Timeline

  1. [TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources
    Lockheed Martin unveils PAC-3 ACE and PAC-3 Edge missile variants

    Lockheed Martin introduced the PAC-3 ACE, a low-cost fragmentation interceptor, and the PAC-3 Edge, designed to counter hypersonic threats, with testing for the latter slated for 2027.

  2. [TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources
    Lockheed Martin unveils PAC-3 Edge interceptor for Patriot system

    Lockheed Martin unveiled the PAC-3 Edge, a next-generation Patriot interceptor designed to defend against hypersonic and maneuvering ballistic missiles, with testing expected by 2027.

  3. [TECHNOLOGY] 5 sources
    Lockheed Martin unveils PAC-3 Edge hypersonic interceptor

    Lockheed Martin unveiled the PAC-3 Edge interceptor, designed to counter hypersonic and ballistic threats for the U.S. Army with improved range, altitude, and maneuverability.

  4. [TECHNOLOGY] 16 sources
    Lockheed Martin unveils PAC-3 Edge to counter hypersonic threats

    Lockheed Martin has unveiled the PAC-3 Edge interceptor, a next-generation missile designed to counter hypersonic threats for the U.S. Army, with testing slated for 2027 and deployment by 2031.

Sources

aftabnews.ir · airdatanews.com · airway.com.br · avioblog.it · businessam.be · defence-industry.eu · eletimes.com · eurasiabusinessnews.com · finchannel.com · fr.businessam.be · giaoducthoidai.vn · haber.aero · indomiliter.com · interestingengineering.com · it-boltwise.de · matzav.com · milmag.pl · nemesishd.gr · newatlas.com · onalert.gr · oruzjeonline.com · raillynews.com · rayhaber.com · soha.vn · veteranos.gr · vosveteit.zoznam.sk

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history