Lockheed Martin receives $1.1 billion contract for PAC-3 missiles

DALLAS, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- The United States and several allies will upgrade their defenses with a $1.1 billion contract for Lockheed Martin's Patriot Advanced Capability missiles.

The contract covers the production and delivery of both PAC-3 and PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement missiles and supporting equipment for the U.S. Army and Foreign Military Sales to South Korea, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

"Our PAC-3 and PAC-3 MSE interceptors are the most trusted and capable terminal air defense missiles in the world, and we're proud to support our customers as they protect soldiers, citizens and infrastructure from adversary threats," Lockheed Martin PAC-3 programs vice president Scott Arnold said in a press release.

PAC-3 is a high-velocity interceptor designed to defend armed forces against tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, aircraft and other airborne threats. The missile system is currently used by six nations, including the United States, Germany, Japan, The United Arab Emirates, Taiwan and the Netherlands. Lockheed Martin has manufactured over 2,000 PAC-3 missiles to date.

"All Lockheed Martin-built missile defense interceptors utilize advanced hit-to-kill technology enabling better accuracy, enhanced safety and improved reliability when it matters most," Arnold added.

The PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement, a variant of the PAC-3, features increased maneuverability and effective range.