Lockheed Martin has unveiled PAC-3 Edge, an interceptor it says is designed to counter air, missile and hypersonic threats at higher altitudes and longer ranges. It has not been flight-tested; Lockheed plans to start testing in 2027 and is aiming for deployment by 2031.
Lockheed says PAC-3 Edge builds on the PAC-3 MSE and is its entry in the Army’s Future Interceptor program, which the company says is “currently in competition”. According to Lockheed, the Army has moved the company into the next stage of development. The design pairs a new seeker from Lockheed’s Strigo Product Center, where the company says it invested $250M, with a multi-pulse solid rocket motor from Northrop Grumman. Lockheed says it will begin testing in 2027 to “prepare for rapid deployment by 2031”. The release gives no speed or range figures and no contract value, and CTN found no Army statement.
Sources: Lockheed Martin via PR Newswire