Lockheed Martin PAC-3 MSE Missile Intercepts Incoming Target

Lockheed Martin has successfully tested a PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) missile to engage and intercept a tactical ballistic missile target.

The test was carried out at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, as part of a U.S. Army-led missile defense test using two PAC-3 missiles against an incoming target. One of the missiles successfully intercepted the target as planned, the company said in a statement Friday.

The PAC-3 MSE Missile is a high velocity interceptor that uses hit-to-kill technology to defend against incoming threats including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft.

The PAC-3 MSE brings a larger, dual-pulse solid-rocket motor, larger control fins and upgraded support systems. With the enhancements, Lockheed Martin nearly doubled the missile's reach and improved performance against today's increasingly sophisticated ballistic- and cruise-missile threats.