German Patriot Launcher Fires PAC-3 MSE Interceptor

A German-modified M903 launcher launched a PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptor in a flight test May 11.

“The recent flight test proves that PAC-3 MSE is ready for deployment in Germany,” said Dennis Goege, Lockheed Martin Vice President of Central and East Europe.

The Germany Tactical Test / Operational Test 3 flight test was conducted by the German Air Force against a virtual tactical ballistic missile target to prove compatibility between PAC-3 MSE and the German-modified Patriot M903 launching station.

MBDA Deutschland partnered with Lockheed Martin to perform the necessary modifications of the launcher to enable the integration of the PAC-3 MSE missile.

The test was the final step before Lockheed Martin delivers the first shipment of PAC-3 MSEs to Germany.

The U.S. and German governments reached an agreement in 2019 for the procurement of PAC-3 MSE. Germany already employed the PAC-3 Cost Reduction Initiative (CRI) interceptor in their air defense arsenal.