Army contracts Lockheed for PAC-3 ground, test support

May 23 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army has awarded a $46.6 million contract modification to Lockheed Martin for support on upgrades to the Patriot PAC-3 anti-ballistic missile launcher.

The Maryland-based company will conduct ground and flight test support on the machinery in Dallas, Texas, according to the U.S. Defense Department. Lockheed Martin is expected to finish work by April 2022.

Lockheed was obligated $1.7 million at the time of the award from fiscal 2018 research, development, test and evaluation funds.

The U.S. and its allies use the Patriot PAC-3 throughout the world.

The system is designed to be a land-based part of the Missile Defense Agency-run Ballistic Missile Defense System's lower tier. Its surface-to-air missiles can be fired remotely.