Patriot Missile Put to the Test

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A US Army-led missile defense flight test demonstrated the hit-to-kill capability of the Patriot missile family, which defends against threats through body-to-body contact. 

The PAC-3 interceptor is one of the most advanced, capable and powerful terminal air defense missiles in the world. It is a small, highly agile kinetic kill interceptor for defense against tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and other threats. 

Lockheed Martin has demonstrated the Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) Cost Reduction Initiative (CRI) interceptor’s ability to counter tactical ballistic missile targets during testing that took place at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. 

The PAC-3 interceptor was procured by 14 nations.

During the testing, two PAC-3 CRI systems intercepted two tactical ballistic targets, supporting the US Army’s Field Surveillance Program (FSP) that ensures the reliability and readiness of the Patriot air defense system’s missiles.  

The test also reconfirmed PAC-3 CRI’s ability to detect, track and intercept incoming missiles while meeting fielded reliability requirements, Lockheed says. 

‘PAC-3 continues its long history of reliability and readiness in the field and remains the only combat proven hit-to-kill interceptor in the world,’ Jay Pitman, VP of PAC-3 programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said.

‘Today’s global security environment demands reliable solutions. We expect PAC-3 interceptors to continue serving as an essential element in integrated, layered defence systems.’

The PAC-3 CRI and Missile Segment Enhancement warheads are high-velocity interceptors that defend against incoming threats, including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft, according to shephardmedia.com.