Lockheed Martin’s PAC-3 Missile successfully detected, tracked and intercepted a tactical ballistic missile (TBM) in a Lower Tier Project Office flight test at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.

Two PAC-3 Missiles were ripple-fired in the test per current doctrine. The first interceptor destroyed the target and the second PAC-3 Missile self-destructed as planned.

Mission objectives were focused on reducing risk for a flight test of the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) scheduled later this year.

“Today’s flight test provided us the opportunity to demonstrate the PAC-3 Missile against a challenging TBM target. Our preliminary data indicate that all objectives were achieved,” said Richard McDaniel, Vice President of PAC-3 Missile Programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.

The PAC-3 and MSE Missiles are two of the world’s most advanced, capable and reliable theater air defense missiles. They defeat tactical ballistic and air breathing targets. As the most technologically advanced missile for the PATRIOT air defense system, PAC-3 significantly increases the PATRIOT system’s firepower, allowing 16 PAC-3 Missiles to be loaded in place of just four legacy PATRIOT PAC-2 missiles on the launcher.