Global Security Newswire

An advanced model of the Patriot Advanced Capability 3 interceptor successfully eliminated a simulated short-range ballistic missile threat during an intercept test yesterday at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, defense contractor Lockheed Martin announced (see GSN, June 16, 2010).

The PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement is designed to perform more ably at higher altitudes and at longer ranges than the PAC-3 Cost Reduction Initiative Missile, according to a company press release. The new interceptor is the only Patriot system equipped with hit-to-kill programming to defeat approaching threats.

"We continue to test the PAC-3 MSE missile at higher altitudes and against more challenging targets, and it continues to meet expectations," Lockheed Martin official Richard McDaniel said in provided comments. "We look forward to delivering this important enhanced capability to the warfighter in the near future" (Lockheed Martin release, March 2).