New Interceptor Missile Against Hypersonic Missiles from the USA

Lockheed Martin introduced the PAC-3 Edge interceptor missile, developed to combat hypersonic missiles and advanced air threats.

US defense company Lockheed Martin announced the PAC-3 Edge, developed as part of the new generation air and missile defense systems, to the public on October 9. While the system is based on the technological infrastructure of the existing PAC-3 MSE missile, it is equipped with new components that will increase its prevention capacity against more advanced threats.

According to the company's statement, the PAC-3 Edge is designed specifically to combat hypersonic missile threats and advanced air targets. The new missile is intended to be effective at higher altitudes and longer ranges.

The prominent innovations of PAC-3 Edge include an improved seeker head, updated flight control systems and a double-pulse solid-fuel rocket engine.

The missile's seeker head is developed by Lockheed Martin's Strigo product center. The rocket engine will be provided by Northrop Grumman. The double-pulse engine architecture aims to expand the intercept envelope of the missile by allowing more effective use of thrust at different stages of flight.

By combining these components, the PAC-3 Edge is planned to increase its defensive capacity against more advanced missile threats that may challenge existing interceptors.

PAC-3 Edge is part of the US Army's program to improve future interceptor capabilities. Lockheed Martin aims to accelerate development and testing activities in 2027 and put the system into service by 2031.

This schedule shows that the PAC-3 Edge is not yet an operational missile and the development process continues.

The introduction of PAC-3 Edge coincides with a period when the United States continues its efforts to increase the production of air and missile defense ammunition. The Washington administration is conducting large-scale supply agreements with defense industry companies in order to meet the increasing need for interceptor missiles and strengthen stocks.

Lockheed Martin received a contract worth up to $58.6 billion to increase PAC-3 production capacity in July. The company's goal is to increase its annual production capacity from approximately 600 missiles to 2,000.

Apart from this production increase, the development of the PAC-3 Edge creates a new technology line for the future air defense needs of the United States.

Lockheed Martin introduced the PAC-3 ACE, a lower-cost interceptor option, alongside the PAC-3 family in 2026. While ACE aims to provide a more economical defense option against a wide range of air and missile threats, PAC-3 Edge focuses on increasing range and altitude capabilities, especially against more advanced threats.

These two systems stand out as different parts of the US's approach to air defense, both managing ammunition costs and increasing its interceptor capacity against evolving missile threats.