Lockheed Martin has been awarded a landmark U.S. Navy contract to integrate the PAC-3 MSE air defense missile into the Aegis Combat System for the first time. This deal advances naval missile defense by enabling Aegis-equipped destroyers to launch the combat-proven interceptor without major modifications.
The integration targets the Mk 41 Vertical Launch System on Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, providing a cost-effective upgrade. PAC-3 MSE offers a 75-mile range and 22-mile engagement altitude, excelling against tactical ballistic and cruise missile threats.
A pivotal 2024 flight test at White Sands Missile Range demonstrated success. Lockheed Martin launched a PAC-3 MSE from an MK-70 containerized platform using a virtualized Aegis system, defeating a live cruise missile target in its first vertical launch configuration.
The Pentagon allocated $65 million in fiscal year 2026 funding for this effort, marking the initial step toward naval deployment. Lockheed has invested heavily, with spending nearing $100 million by late 2024, including AN/SPY-1 radar compatibility tests.
This enhancement bolsters layered defense for U.S. sailors amid evolving threats. A spring live-fire demonstration is planned using a ground-launched vertical platform, potentially leading to shipboard initial operational capability.