What’s changed in the Patriot’s new interceptor? Lockheed Martin PAC-3 Edge targets hypersonic threats

Lockheed Martin unveiled its new "PAC-3 Edge" interceptor, which is designed to deal with hypersonic weapons and other advanced missile threats. (Picture: Lockheed Martin)

[Compiled by Chen Chengliang/Comprehensive Report] The US Patriot missile system will usher in a new interceptor, but this new missile has not yet entered the actual testing stage. U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin (hereinafter referred to as Lockheed Martin) unveiled the "PAC-3 Edge" interceptor on October 9. It is mainly designed to deal with hypersonic weapons and other advanced missile threats. It has entered the next phase of development of the U.S. Army's "Future Interceptor program" (Future Interceptor program).

According to the military industry media "Defence Industry Reports", the PAC-3 Edge is improved based on the existing PAC-3 MSE interceptor. Lockheed Martin pointed out that the company has invested approximately US$250 million (approximately NT$8.2 billion) in the development of a new seeker, with the goal of improving the interceptor's combat performance in higher airspace and longer distances.

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The seeker is an important component for missiles to track targets. PAC-3 Edge uses a newly designed seeker; the propulsion system uses a multi-pulse solid-state rocket motor developed by Northrop Grumman and is paired with a redesigned control system. Lockheed Martin said these changes are aimed at improving the missile's maneuverability, power and speed to expand its defense range against air targets and advanced missiles.

However, PAC-3 Edge is still in the development stage. The above performance is Lockheed Martin's explanation of the new design and cannot be regarded as the final result of the completed test, nor can it be deemed that this interceptor has been proven to successfully intercept hypersonic missiles.

Integrate multiple launch platforms to improve battlefield adaptability

In terms of system integration, Lockheed Martin plans to allow PAC-3 Edge to operate with the US military's existing and future air and missile defense systems, including the "Integrated Battle Command System" (IBCS), M903 launch vehicle and "HIMARS" Flex launch platform. If the relevant integration proceeds as planned, this interceptor will be able to be used with a variety of vehicles; however, the actual progress of the integration of various technologies still needs to be confirmed by subsequent development and testing.

The development of PAC-3 Edge is also related to the increased demand for active Patriot interceptors. The Russia-Ukraine war and conflicts in the Middle East have boosted demand for related weapons. Lockheed Martin is working with Boeing, L3Harris Technologies and other companies to expand the production capacity of the PAC-3 series interceptors. According to the schedule announced by Loma, PAC-3 Edge is expected to begin testing in 2027, with the goal of being ready for rapid deployment in 2031.