Lockheed Martin, Sweden Sign Agreement for Hit-to-Kill PAC-3 MSE Missiles
After Sweden having opted for Raytheon‘s PATRIOT missile system on 2 August (story here), on 10 August, American and Swedish officials formalised an agreement for the Nordic country to purchase Lockheed Martin‘s PATRIOT Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) missiles and related support equipment. Once the contract is signed, Sweden will become the sixth international customer to sign an agreement to procure PAC-3 MSE.
As reported, Sweden requested four PATRIOT Configuration 3+ modernised fire units that include four AN/MPQ-65 radars; four control stations; nine antenna masts; 12 M903 launching stations; 100 Guidance Enhanced Missile TBM (GEM-T) missiles (Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missile Tactical Ballistic Missiles); and 200 Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) missiles from Lockheed Martin.
“We’re honored to partner with Sweden on their efforts to protect and defend their armed forces, citizens and infrastructure,” Jay Pitman, Vice President of PAC-3 at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said. “Today’s global security environment demands reliable Hit-to-Kill technology and innovative solutions. PAC-3 MSE interceptors will provide Sweden with a formidable layer of defence.”
Sweden joins the US, Qatar, Japan, Romania, Poland and the United Arab Emirates to procure PAC-3 MSE. Several other nations have also expressed an interest in enhancing their missile defense capabilities with the PAC-3 MSE as part of the PATRIOT system.