Lockheed Martin's PAC-3 MSE Achieves Record Production Year
The Lockheed Martin team is celebrating a major milestone in the production of the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptor. With the program surpassing 500 builds for the first time. This achievement is a testament to the company's commitment to delivering cutting-edge defense technologies to its customers.
The PAC-3 MSE plays a critical role in 21st Century Security®. As the world’s most advanced air defense missile, PAC-3 MSE provides crucial protection against tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, hypersonics, and aircraft. Its cutting-edge technology and unparalleled capabilities make it a vital component in protecting against evolving threats.
In 2024, the PAC-3 team significantly increased production output and achieved new record highs for missile production. In 2024, Lockheed Martin successfully produced and delivered more than 500 PAC-3 MSEs - a new production high. This was a more than 30 percent production increase from 2023.
PAC-3 MSE had a record production year in 2024.
“This has been a record year for PAC-3 MSE,” said Paul Taliaferro, director of PAC-3 Production. “We’re committed to continuing our ramp up and delivering in excess of our stated capacity for the next several years to ensure our partners can defend against evolving threats.”
Another 20 percent increase in production is planned for 2025.
New production processes, equipment, digital transformation tools and a mission-first workforce have all contributed to such a record production year for PAC-3.
In October 2024, the U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a contract to increase production capacity to 650 PAC-3 MSEs per year. Lockheed Martin is expected to reach 650 by 2027.
PAC-3 MSE defends against emerging threats around the world.
“This is a team effort - we’re working closely with the US Army to get up to a rate that supports their mission and our worldwide customers,” said Kubik. “To ensure a smooth ramp up we’re also partnering closely with our supply chain to grow their production capabilities to ensure we have the parts necessary to enable a consistent and increasing flow of missile production.”
In addition to supply chain investments, Lockheed Martin is also standing up new tooling and test equipment at its internal manufacturing sites.
“Demand for PAC-3 MSE just keeps growing,” said Brian Kubik, vice president of PAC-3 Programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “To meet the demand, we started investing more than a year before the recent contract award to position our factories and workforce to support a higher production capacity."
Lockheed Martin produces the PAC-3 MSE at its world-class facility in Camden, Arkansas. In 2022, Lockheed Martin opened an 85,000-square-foot building expansion (AUR III) to support increased production capacity.
Lockheed Martin is increasing annual production to 650 PAC-3 MSEs.
As PAC-3 MSE continues to ramp-up to meet demand, Lockheed Martin is committed to working closely with its customers to address emerging threats and help protect what matters most.