PAC-3 integrates with LTAMDS successfully in test

The Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement successfully integrated with the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor during a test this month at White Sands Missile Range, NM, according to PAC-3 MSE manufacturer Lockheed Martin.

The test validated software updates to the PAC-3 MSE that ensure evolving threats within the Army’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense architecture can be defeated, according to Lockheed.

During the test, the PAC-3 MSE and Cost Reduction Interceptor “confirmed the ability to detect, acquire, track and engage” an advanced tactical ballistic missile target, the company stated in a press release.

Brian Kubik, Lockheed’s vice president of PAC-3 programs, told Inside Defense this week that the Army was present at the test, and the primary goal was to test software updates to the PAC-3 MSE since the first successful integration with LTAMDS one year ago.

“This is continuing to test our ability to expand the envelope, look at different threats, different engagement scenarios,” he said.

The new aspect to this test was the “ripple shot” configuration the PAC-3 and CRI interceptors were launched, meaning one interceptor was right behind the other.

“Think about defending a high-value asset target. Because of the timeline to engagement with a threat like that, you don’t have time to shoot, look and shoot again if it’s not successful. So, we put two interceptors in the air at the same time,” he said.

“Before you know whether the first one is successful, you put the second one in the air as a backup.”

The Army has issued a report declaring the test a success, Kubik added.

LTAMDS, the eventual replacement for the Patriot sensor, has experienced various delays in the past year with “interoperability, software and radar performance” during contractor verification testing that has extended the schedule for development to the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, according to the Government Accountability Office’s annual weapon systems assessment. Senate appropriators have proposed cutting half of the procurement funding for LTAMDS in FY-25, citing “test delays.”