PAC-3 Flight Test Paves the Way for New Patriot Software Release

In a flight test on March 23, 2023, Lockheed Martin’s (NYSE: LMT) PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) successfully engaged and intercepted an advanced medium range ballistic missile (MRBM) target. The test is the first in a series of flight tests to validate software updates that will be deployed across fielded batteries as part of the next Patriot software release.

“Software updates like this improve performance against evolving threats and are critical to ensuring PAC-3 MSE keeps our customers ahead of our adversaries,” said Brenda Davidson, vice president of PAC-3 Programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “We continue to invest in PAC-3 enhancements to enable a robust defensive capability for our customers around the world.”

An evolution of the battle-proven PAC-3 Cost Reduction Initiative (CRI), the PAC-3 MSE boasts a dual-pulse solid rocket motor, providing increased performance in altitude and range to defend against incoming threats, including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft. PAC-3 MSE continues to prove its effectiveness against a variety of advanced targets.