PAC-3 MSE successfully intercepts missile from remote launcher in test

A Lockheed Martin PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptor recently successfully intercepted a missile to complete the first ever test of an MSE from a remote launcher.

The U.S. Army-led missile defense flight test took place at the Reagan Test Site at the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. It involved deploying the launcher remotely from the Patriot radar.

“PAC-3 continues to be successful against today’s evolving threats, and it remains the only combat-proven hit-to-kill interceptor in the world,” said Scott Arnold, vice president and deputy of Integrated Air and Missile Defense at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “Today’s global security environment demands reliable solutions. We expect PAC-3 MSE interceptors to continue serving as an integral layer of defense in the protection of armed forces personnel, citizens, and infrastructure.”

The upgraded PAC-3 MSE is a high-velocity interceptor that defends against incoming threats such as tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft. The missile uses Hit-to-Kill technology, which defeats threats using kinetic energy through body-to-body contact. The PAC-3 MSE, which builds upon the PAC-3 CRI Missile, includes larger control fins, an upgraded support system, and a dual-pulse solid rocket motor.