Future Proof Integrated Air and Missle Defense

In today's rapidly evolving, multi-domain battlespace, our customers demand defense solutions that are already primed for tomorrow's threats.

Three decades ago, the notion of destroying a missile with another missile belonged to the realm of science fiction. Now, hit-to-kill technology is the baseline for Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) systems. What began with the pioneering PAC-3® interceptor has matured into a family of layered, survivable defenses - and it isn't ending there.

Lockheed Martin leverages deep expertise in systems integration and battle-tested technology to shape the next generation of IAMD. By continuously modernizing existing programs and launching new, innovative architectures, Lockheed Martin ensures that today's forces have the tools they need now, while the solutions of tomorrow are already in development.

From surface to space, Lockheed Martin is delivering combat-proven layered defense solutions based on battle-tested solutions and innovative new solutions.

Lockheed Martin is working hand-in-hand with the U.S. Army and global partners to deliver a resilient, future-ready shield that can meet any emerging threat, wherever it appears.

On Oct. 12, Lockheed Martin debuted PAC-3 Edge, the latest and most advanced interceptor in the PAC-3 Family of Missiles. PAC-3 Edge leverages the combat-proven PAC-3® MSE, and features new, industry-leading technology to deliver decisive performance against the Army's most critical threats.

PAC-3 Edge is Lockheed Martin's offering for the U.S. Army's Future Interceptor program which is currently in competition.

The new interceptor is designed to counter a wide range of air, missile and hypersonic threats at higher altitudes and longer ranges, complementing the Army's current inventory of PAC-3 MSE and THAAD, to strengthen a multitiered shield that protects America's force at home and abroad.

Lockheed Martin is working to advance the development and testing of its Future Interceptor concept to prepare for residual operational capability by 2031.

As a cornerstone of America's future missile and defense architecture, the Future Interceptor will provide next-generation performance to strengthen the layered defense the nation requires. PAC-3 Edge features advanced new technology to elevate performance including a revolutionary new seeker designed by the Lockheed Martin Strigo Product Center, an advanced propulsion system and control system upgrades.

PAC-3® MSE

PAC-3 MSE takes on the full spectrum of airborne threats, from legacy aircraft and advanced missiles to emerging hypersonic weapons. It's hit-to-kill capability reliably defeats modern and future threats head-on. PAC-3 MSE's performance in recent world operations has solidified the interceptor as the most advanced air defense missile on the battlefield.

PAC-3 MSE is a ready now capability and uses combat-proven, advanced capabilities to defend critical areas and assets at scale.

Integrating the PAC-3 MSE with next-generation sensors and combat systems is a cornerstone of the Army's modernization roadmap. In a recent flight test, the interceptor successfully integrated with the Army's Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) and Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) to intercept an airborne target, moving the service closer to a 360-degree engagement capability. The U.S. Navy has also extended this capability to the maritime domain, awarding a contract to integrate the PAC-3 MSE into the Aegis Weapon System. By pairing the most advanced interceptor with the world-leading Aegis combat system, Lockheed Martin delivers a unified solution that can counter the most sophisticated threats across land and sea.

Earlier this year, Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Government signed a strategic framework agreement that will triple PAC-3 MSE production capacity over the next seven years. In July, The U.S. Government awarded Lockheed Martin a $53.86B contract to super charge PAC-3 MSE production.

As the system continues to prove its worth on the modern battlefield, demand from domestic and allied forces is accelerating. To meet this growing need, Lockheed Martin is partnering closely with the U.S. Government and the PAC-3 MSE supply chain, streamlining processes and expediting delivery of this critical interceptor to partners worldwide.

PAC-3 ACE

The PAC-3® Adapted Capability Effector (PAC-3 ACE™) is a low-cost interceptor designed to defeat a wide range of air and missile threats for less than half the cost of a PAC-3 MSE per unit. PAC-3 ACE will give American and allied warfighters a rapidly-fielded, complementary air defense effector.

PAC-3 ACE leverages proven PAC-3 MSE technologies, components and systems to accelerate the development, flight testing and deployment of new capabilities and algorithms while significantly reducing cost for the user. PAC-3 ACE will operate on an accelerated development timeline, by leveraging existing PAC-3 MSE components and test data to shorten flight-test cycles and speed fielding. 

This development is a result of recognizing the needs of our allies to rapidly field a lower cost missile that operates with the same PAC-3 MSE reliability.

THAAD

THAAD's recent deployment and operational use has put significant focus on THAAD's capability against evolving missile threats. The THAAD Weapon System is a highly effective, combat-proven defense against short, medium, intermediate and limited-range Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM). and is the only U.S.-designed system that can intercept threats inside and outside of the atmosphere with hit to kill precision. THAAD is globally deployed to strategic locations, effectively deterring threats and defending citizens and critical infrastructure of the U.S. and its allies.  

 Designed in the 1990s to address a gap in air defense identified during the Gulf War, THAAD quickly became a key element of the U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense architecture. Since its inception in the early 1990s to provide terminal-phase intercept capabilities against ballistic missiles, Lockheed Martin has continually evolved the system to defeat emerging threats. This includes interoperability improvements, as well as organic battery-level enhancements such as integrating the PAC-3 MSE into the THAAD weapon system.  

While the THAAD Weapon System was originally designed within specific performance requirements, THAAD's use in military operations, and the reach-back data collected through those engagements, demonstrates that THAAD is effective at defeating threats beyond the original requirements for the system. Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) connects THAAD to the Army's overall air defense picture, giving commanders better awareness, more flexible options and stronger resilience against missile threats.

 Lockheed Martin has a long track record of investing in internal research and development to enhance interoperability with other systems and architectures in support of Joint All Domain Operations. THAAD is well positioned to expand integration with other systems to provide the warfighter layered, networked missile defense architectures needed to defend against the current and future threat environment. 

Next Generation Short-Range Interceptor

The Next-Generation Short-Range Interceptor (NGSRI) is a U.S. Army program aimed at developing an advanced short-range air defense missile system to replace the Stinger missile. Lockheed Martin is providing a highly effective and reliable interceptor capability to protect warfighters and assets from existing and emerging aerial threats.

QuadStar™, Lockheed Martin's NGSRI offering, will stay ahead of evolving aerial threats, providing the most advanced and capable short-range man portable air defense system.

The system features advanced detection technology utilizing advanced optics technology, a high-speed interceptor capable of engaging targets at high speeds at ranges that exceed the legacy system, and a network centric architecture that enables seamless integration with other air defense systems and networks.

The NGSRI program is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Army, industry partners and other government agencies.

IFPC 2nd Interceptor

The Integrated Fires Protection Capability (IFPC) 2nd Interceptor program will provide a robust and integrated solution to fill the gap between short-range air defense systems and the Patriot air and missile defense system. Lockheed Martin is leveraging is expertise in integrated air and missile defense, command and control, and advanced technologies to support this effort.

Late last year, the U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) Project Agreement to enhance its air and missile defense capabilities. This agreement is a testament to Lockheed Martin's investments in advanced technologies and 21st Century Security® capabilities that address the complex security challenges of the future.

In the coming years, the company will work closely with the U.S. Army to ensure the successful execution of the program, driving innovation and delivering exceptional performance.

Ready-Now, Future-Proof

Lockheed Martin's relentless innovation across the full spectrum of air and missile defense solutions-from the battle-proven PAC-3 MSE and THAAD to the upcoming PAC-3 Edge, PAC-3 ACE, Next Generation Short-Range Interceptor, and IFPC 2nd Interceptor-creates a seamless, multilayered shield that can engage threats wherever they appear. By integrating cutting edge sensors, advanced software, and cross domain interoperability, we are not only modernizing today's force structure but also laying the groundwork for the next generation of protective architectures.

As the U.S. government stands up a future-ready shield, Lockheed Martin stands shoulder-to-shoulder with them, delivering proven results today while rapidly fielding the next generation of IAMD, tomorrow.