Lockheed Martin has been awarded a US Navy contract to develop, integrate, and test the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptor into the Aegis Combat System for the first time.
The Aegis command-and-control system is used on navy warships, such as the Ticonderoga-class cruiser and Arleigh Burke-class destroyer.
Prior to the award, the company had invested internal funding to demonstrate integration of the missile with the Aegis and the MK 41 vertical launch system, which is capable of launching a range of weapons, including Standard and Tomahawk missiles.
The combat-proven PAC-3 MSE uses hit-to-kill technology and is typically deployed from the ground-based Patriot system against ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as airborne and hypersonic threats.
Its integration into a naval platform expands the navy’s integrated air and missile defense capabilities by enabling more layered defenses against evolving threats.
“This integration further expands the capability of Aegis to engage missile threats at multiple layers, enabling a more comprehensive and effective defense against evolving threats, ensuring the warfighter has the strategic advantage,” said Chandra Marshall, VP of Lockheed Martin Multi-Domain Combat Solutions.
The effort builds on a broader framework agreement to accelerate production and delivery of PAC-3 MSE interceptors.
