PAC-3 MSE integrated with Aegis defeats target in flight test

A rendering of a PAC-3 missile, which Lockheed Martin is working to integrate with the Aegis combat system. (Lockheed Martin)

Lockheed Martin launched a Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC)-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptor from an MK-70 containerised launch platform to engage a cruise missile target in flight at the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, the company confirmed on 20 May.

The test, executed with multiple Department of Defense services and components, marked the first time PAC-3 MSE was launched in this configuration utilising the Virtualized Aegis Weapon System to intercept a live target, Lockheed Martin said in a statement.

Noting that such technology is meant to counter “evolving threats”, Tom Copeman, Lockheed Martin's vice-president of Strategy and Naval Programmes, said in a statement, “These systems could deliver a proven Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) capability with growing capacity to the US to help defend against advanced, manoeuvrable threats.”

For more information on earlier integration efforts of this capability, please seePAC-3 interceptor communicates with the AN/SPY-1 radar for first time.