Science & Tech · Gadgets & EVs · 2 hrs ago
US Navy plans to adapt PAC-3 MSE interceptor for warships by 2029
The US Navy plans to add the Army’s PAC-3 MSE interceptor to its warships to defend against incoming missiles and other aerial threats.
Lockheed Martin is adapting the missile to work with the Navy’s Aegis combat system and Mk 41 launchers.
The missile is designed to destroy threats by hitting them directly, and its existing targets include ballistic and cruise missiles and aircraft.
Before it can be used at sea, engineers must change its launch equipment, software and communications systems.
A land-based flight test is planned for 2027, followed by shipboard trials in 2028.
The Navy aims to field the integrated system by 2029.
The effort is part of a wider production expansion as demand for the interceptor grows from the US military and international customers.
The US Navy plans to adapt the Army’s PAC-3 MSE interceptor for use aboard warships, with the goal of fielding the integrated system by 2029.
Lockheed Martin received a second-phase development contract in late September to integrate the interceptor with the Navy’s Aegis Combat System.
The work will adapt the missile for launch from the Mk 41 Vertical Launching System.
The Navy plans land-based flight tests in 2027, followed by shipboard trials in 2028.
The program follows a 2024 test that launched PAC-3 MSE vertically from an Mk 70 launcher and integrated it with a virtual Aegis Weapon System.
- Who
- The US Navy and Lockheed Martin. The interceptor was developed for the Army.
- What
- The Navy plans to adapt PAC-3 MSE for launch from warships and integration with Aegis.
- When
- The Navy aims to field the system by 2029, after land-based tests in 2027 and shipboard trials in 2028.
- Where
- On US Navy warships using the Mk 41 Vertical Launching System.
- Why
- To give the fleet another option against incoming missiles and other aerial threats.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Lockheed Martin and US Department of War offices launched PAC-3 MSE vertically from an Mk 70 launcher and integrated it with a virtual Aegis Weapon System.
The Army awarded Lockheed Martin a $58 billion contract to accelerate PAC-3 MSE manufacturing.
Lockheed Martin received a second-phase development contract to integrate the interceptor with Aegis.
Land-based flight tests are planned.
Shipboard trials are planned.
The Navy aims to field the integrated system.
- Target fielding
- 2029
- Planned land-based flight tests
- 2027
- Planned shipboard trials
- 2028
- Launch system
- Mk 41 Vertical Launching System
- Earlier Army production contract
- $58 billion
- Earlier Navy program contract
- $93 million