A Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC)-3 missile operated by the U.S. Army destroyed a cruise missile target in an April 25 test at the Utah Test and Training Range, according to an April 26 Lockheed Martin press release.
The demonstration utilized the Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensor and the Patriot air and missile defense system, according to the press release. The test showcased the PAC-3 system’s ability to detect, track and destroy a cruise missile from an extended range as part of an integrated air and missile defense architecture.
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Dallas, is the prime contractor for the PAC-3 Missile Segment upgrade, which is in development. The upgrade is expected to enter production in fiscal year 2014, according Lockheed Martin spokeswoman Cheryl Amerine.
“The PAC-3 Missile continues to be successful against today’s modern threats, and is ready for tomorrow’s modern plug-and-fight air and missile defense architectures,” Richard McDaniel, vice president of PAC-3 programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said in a prepared statement.
