The first of many steps in integrating PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) capabilities with the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Weapon System occurred during a flight test Oct. 1, 2020, at White Sands Missile Range.
During the test carried out by the U.S. Army and Missile Defense Agency, a PAC-3 MSE missile used data obtained from THAAD to successfully intercept a tactical ballistic missile target at a range not possible with an organic Patriot radar.
“Using the surveillance and advanced fire control logic of the THAAD Weapon System, we are unleashing more of the inherent kinematic capability of the PAC-3 MSE missile,” said Scott Arnold, vice president, Integrated Air and Missile Defense, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.
The track data provided from THAAD also allows warfighters to expand the defended area and battlespace of the PAC-3 MSE interceptor through integration of existing systems, supporting joint all-domain operations.
Future flight tests are planned to demonstrate the integration of the PAC-3 MSE missile/launcher into a THAAD battery where the fire control loop will be closed organically within THAAD system.
THAAD MSE Integration brings new and far reaching capabilities to the warfighter and creates additional layered defense options.
THAAD is the only system designed for endo-and exo-battlespace, using Hit-to-Kill technology to execute its lethal aim-point accuracy. Learn more about the THAAD defense system here.