Lockheed Advances PAC-3 Edge Development for Future Missile Defence — Lockheed Martin has revealed PAC-3 Edge, an advanced interceptor intended to strengthen US Army defences against hypersonic weapons and emerging missile threats. Building on the company’s PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement technology, the system is being developed for the Army’s Future Interceptor program to achieve longer engagement ranges and higher operating altitudes. Tim Cahill, head of Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control business, indicated that the company is competing with another manufacturer whose identity has not been disclosed. According to Lockheed Martin, testing is expected in 2027, while deployment could begin in 2031. PAC-3 Edge will support the Army’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense architecture and is designed to work with the Integrated Battle Command System, M903 launcher, containerized launchers, and HIMARS Flex. Its planned features include a new seeker developed by Lockheed Martin and a three-pulse solid rocket motor from Northrop Grumman, designed to provide precise propulsion and improve performance at extended ranges and altitudes. The company has already committed $250 million to its Strigo Product Center and plans an additional $800 million investment in seeker development. Manufacturing will take place in Camden, Arkansas, as Lockheed Martin builds an automated plant intended to triple PAC-3 MSE production capacity over seven years. Once production moves to the new facility, the existing manufacturing line will be modernized to produce the PAC-3 Edge interceptor.
