Lockheed Martin’s PAC-3 MSE Interceptor Launched From German Patriot Launcher

A German-modified M903 launcher successfully launched a Lockheed Martin PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptor in a flight test today. The German Air Force conducted the Germany Tactical Test / Operational Test 3 flight test against a virtual tactical ballistic missile target to prove compatibility between PAC-3 MSE and the German-modified Patriot M903 launching station.

MBDA Deutschland partnered with Lockheed Martin to perform the necessary launcher modifications to enable the PAC-3 MSE missile integration.

The test was a critical final step before Lockheed Martin delivered the first shipment of PAC-3 MSEs to Germany.

“Delivering PAC-3 MSE to Germany will enhance German air defense capabilities and increase lethality against evolving threats,” said Dennis Goege, Lockheed Martin Vice President of Central and East Europe. “The recent flight test proves that PAC-3 MSE is ready for deployment in Germany.”

The U.S. and German governments reached an agreement in 2019 to procure PAC-3 MSE. Germany already employed the PAC-3 Cost Reduction Initiative (CRI) interceptor in their air defense arsenal.