The U.S. Army’s Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC)-3 interceptor successfully tracked and destroyed a missile during a Sept. 13 test, according to a Lockheed Martin statement.
Two PAC-3 interceptors were launched during the test, which occurred at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico around 7:40 a.m. local time. After the first interceptor destroyed the target, the second interceptor — which was launched as a backup — self-destructed as intended.
“We continue to demonstrate the effectiveness of the PAC-3 Missile in tests that duplicate the kinds of operational scenarios our soldiers and our allies may face,” Richard McDaniel, vice president of PAC-3 Missile programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control of Dallas, said in a statement. “We are constantly improving the PAC-3 Missile, increasing its capabilities and expanding the missile’s ability to handle the growing number of potential threats.”
PAC-3 interceptors are built by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. They are designed to defeat tactical ballistic missiles and cruise missiles as well as fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. The interceptors are currently deployed with U.S. and allied forces.