The U.S. government has asked Lockheed Martin to explore a major production increase for PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhanced (MSE) interceptors, the latest variant of the Patriot air defense missile. The move comes after the production rate originally planned for 2027 was reached ahead of schedule, driven by rising global demand amid heightened security tensions.
Designed to counter tactical ballistic missiles, advanced cruise missiles, and select aerial threats under electronic warfare conditions, the PAC-3 MSE employs a hit-to-kill mechanism with an upgraded rocket motor, refined aerodynamics, and advanced guidance. Each Patriot launcher can carry up to 16 MSE missiles—quadrupling the load of earlier models—while the AN/MPQ-65 radar can track over 100 targets and detect ballistic threats at ranges up to 160 km.
Lockheed Martin currently produces 650 interceptors annually but is considering increasing capacity to as many as 2,000 units per year, with 750 planned for 2027. The expansion also covers THAAD interceptors, currently produced at 96 per year. Previous bottlenecks in solid rocket motor supply have been eased through increased output from L3Harris Technologies and Northrop Grumman.
An upcoming upgrade, the Integrated Guidance Subsystem (IGS), will extend range through miniaturized electronics and increased propellant. Production is set to start within two years.
The acceleration follows extensive Patriot and THAAD deployments, including interceptions against Iranian and Houthi missiles in the Middle East and THAAD’s record-breaking multi-missile intercept in June 2025. The expansion underscores Washington’s intent to reinforce missile defense readiness for simultaneous operations across multiple theaters.
