Test Demonstrated Unique Hit-to-Kill Properties
A Lockheed Martin PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptor successfully engaged an airborne target, the company announced on 26 July, setting a record for the distance at which such intercepted have so far been made. The exact distance has not been made public.
The US Army-led missile flight test demonstrated the unique Hit-to-Kill capability of the PAC-3 family of missiles and reconfirmed PAC-3 MSE’s ability to detect, track and intercept incoming airborne threats. The test was observed by representatives from the US Army and a current Foreign Military Sales PAC-3 MSE customer.
“PAC-3 MSE continues to be successful against today’s evolving threats, and this most recent test validates its effectiveness at extreme distances,” observed Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control’s Vice President of PAC-3 programmes, Jay Pitman. “Today’s global security environment demands reliable solutions. We expect PAC-3 Hit-to-Kill interceptors to continue serving as an essential element in integrated, layered defence systems.”
PAC-3 high-velocity interceptors defend against incoming threats, including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft. Twelve nations have procured the PAC-3 missile defence interceptor: the US, Germany, Kuwait, Japan, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Romania, Poland, the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates.