Hypersonic Missile Interceptors for Patriot: USA Allocates $660 Million to Develop PAC-3 Edge

The U.S. Army has signed an agreement with Lockheed Martin to support the development of new missiles for the Patriot systems, the PAC-3 Edge, designed to intercept hypersonic targets as part of the Future Interceptor program.

This was reported by the U.S. Army Public Affairs Office.

The total estimated cost of the project is $1.08 billion, of which $660.4 million is government funding and $423 million will be raised by the company itself as part of a co-funding arrangement.

The Future Interceptor is being developed to counter modern, ever-changing air and missile threats by increasing interception range and altitude, boosting speed, and improving maneuverability.

Under the terms of the agreement, the U.S. Army, in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, will continue to develop prototypes and conduct testing and evaluation to determine whether the system’s performance meets established operational requirements.

Further decisions regarding development and production will be made based on the actual performance of the prototypes, operational requirements, available resources, and relevant procurement procedures.

Lockheed Martin clarified in its press release that these funds will be directed specifically toward the development of the PAC-3 Edge anti-aircraft missiles.

PAC-3 Edge

The new interceptor was developed as a further evolution of the PAC-3 MSE anti-aircraft missiles. The missile features a new multi-pulse solid-fuel rocket motor manufactured by Northrop Grumman and an improved guidance system.

One of the key components of the PAC-3 Edge will be a new homing seeker, which is being developed at Lockheed Martin’s Strigo Product Center.

The company notes that it has invested $250 million in this center to implement new homing technologies designed to improve the accuracy and maneuverability of the interceptors.

Testing of the PAC-3 Edge is scheduled to begin in 2027. The interceptor is expected to be ready for deployment by 2031.

The new interceptor missile is intended to integrate with the U.S. Army’s existing and future integrated air and missile defense systems, including the IBCS combat command system, the M903 launcher, containerized launchers, and HIMARS Flex.