Article Posted on : - Jul 27, 2015

DALLAS (BNS): US defence major Lockheed Martin has received a US $1.5 billion contract for the production and delivery of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missiles and PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) missiles.

The contract includes PAC-3 and PAC-3 MSE interceptor deliveries for the US Army, and Foreign Military Sales of PAC-3 interceptors, associated equipment and spares for the Republic of Korea, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates, the company announced on July 24.

"The PAC-3 and the PAC-3 MSE interceptors are the most advanced, capable and reliable terminal air defence missiles in the world," said Scott Arnold, Lockheed Martin's vice president of PAC-3 programmes.

"As threats grow in complexity, these interceptors will continue to be in high demand to protect soldiers and citizens around the globe."

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

PAC-3 currently provides missile defence capabilities for six nations -- the US, the Netherlands, Germany, Japan, United Arab Emirates and Taiwan; and Lockheed Martin is on contract with four additional nations -- Kuwait, Qatar, South Korea and Saudi Arabia.

Building on the combat proven PAC-3, the PAC-3 MSE missile uses a two-pulse solid rocket motor that increases altitude and range to meet evolving threats.