WASHINGTON — Lockheed Martin has won a new $1.1 billion contract to produce Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missiles, including the latest version of the interceptor for the U.S. Army, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and South Korea, the company announced Monday.
The U.S. Army buy includes both PAC-3 and PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhanced missiles, which achieve better range and accuracy. The deal comes on the heels of three successful PAC-3 intercept tests since November. In the most recent test, a PAC-3 MSE missile engaged and hit a tactical ballistic missile target on Dec. 10 at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.
Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Qatar will purchase PAC-3 interceptors, launcher modification kits, associated equipment and spares through a foreign military sales contract.
PAC-3 missiles are used in Raytheon's Patriot air-and-missile defense system and can defeat tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft.
Six nations already have PAC-3 missiles in their inventories: the U.S., the Netherlands, Germany, Japan, United Arab Emirates and Taiwan. Lockheed is also under contract with Kuwait, the company said.
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Jen Judson is an award-winning journalist covering land warfare for Defense News. She has also worked for Politico and Inside Defense. She holds a Master of Science degree in journalism from Boston University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Kenyon College.
