The US Army recently contracted Lockheed Martin to boost the production of the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missiles. The defense contractor will now be able to increase its manufacturing capacity and provide 650 missile units annually, which will help to fulfill the substantial global demand for advanced air defense.
The contract also reflects Lockheed Martin’s ability to deliver as the defense contractor is committed to enhancing the country’s security needs. The commissioned PAC-3 missiles are already regarded as one of the most advanced air defense assets in the world and are capable of intercepting a wide range of threats, with required precision and reliability.
Meeting Global Demand Amid Rising Security Challenges
Due to the contract from the US Army, Lockheed Martin has to increase the production of PAC-3 missiles by 30% by the end of this year, and a further 20% the next. This is also due to the rising demand for advanced air defense systems as more countries have started relying on such intricate defense amidst evolving global security dynamics.
The VP of PAC-3 Programs at Lockheed Martin was also recorded saying:
Brian Kubik, Vice President of PAC-3 Programs at Lockheed Martin, noted:
“We started this effort with internal funding more than a year ago to expand the PAC-3 production capacity, both in our factories and across the supply chain. We are also investing to implement lean, agile processes to deliver this critical product to our partners more efficiently.”
The statement underscores Lockheed Martin’s proactive approach to increasing its production capacity to maintain pace with global demand.
Increased Investments in Defense
The initiative to ramp up PAC-3 missile production is part of an umbrella strategy of Lockheed Martin that will see an increase in its overall manufacturing capabilities. This will ensure the scaling of the following high-priority weapon systems:
- Javelin Missiles – Suitable for anti-armor warfare.
- High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) – Integral part of modern military artillery.
- Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) – Advanced rocket artillery system
The defense contractor launched a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Camden, Arkansas, in 2022, dedicated to bolstering PAC-3 production by an additional 500 units annually. Such strategic investments will serve the company’s production capacity to ensure the delivery of critical weapon systems on time.
Features of the PAC-3 Missile
The PAC-3 missiles serve as the cornerstone of any air defense strategy. These missiles embody the rapid advancement and innovation in air defense. The missiles are land-based and mobile-guided for enhanced accuracy, designed to neutralize a wide array of threats. The US can use these missiles to counter the following:
- Cruise Missiles
- Advanced Aircraft and UAVs
- Tactical Ballistic Missiles
- ICBMs
- Hypersonic Missiles
The core feature of PAC-3 missiles is the “Hit-to-Kill technology.” These missiles eliminate threats on contact, through direct impact rather than blast fragmentation. When the missiles make contact with a target, they deliver higher kinetic energy on impact. This makes the PAC-3 unparalleled in precision and effectiveness.
Strengthening Defense Partnerships
The global geopolitical landscape is evolving at a faster rate than ever, this makes defense collaborations more critical and has led Lockheed Martin to expand its production capabilities. The PAC-3 plays an important role in safeguarding the interests of the US and its allies, including NATO partners and countries within the Indo-Pacific region. To date, over 1700 PAC-3 missiles have been supplied to the US, since production began in 2018. These missiles have proven to be integral in maintaining global peace and stability to a certain extent.
Looking Ahead
The production of PAC-3 missiles and the proposed fortifying of manufacturing is a significant step in the evolution of air defense. The US can rely on the state-of-the-art manufacturing processes of Lockheed Martin and leverage its expertise to support its defense strategy as well as help allies worldwide.
