Lockheed Martin unveils PAC-3 Edge interceptor designed to counter hypersonic threats

Oct 9 (Reuters) - Lockheed ‌Martin on ​Friday ​unveiled PAC-3 Edge, a missile interceptor designed to defend against hypersonic and advanced ‌missile threats, as the US military looks ⁠to strengthen its capabilities to counter emerging aerial threats.

Growing demand ‌for air and missile ‌defense systems amid conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East has strained US weapons stockpiles, ​prompting the US Army to award Lockheed Martin a contract worth up to $58.6 billion in ⁠July to ramp up production of PAC-3 interceptors.

Lockheed Martin said PAC-3 ​Edge incorporates a new seeker, upgraded flight controls and a multi-pulse rocket motor ​supplied by Northrop Grumman, enhancing ‌the interceptor's ability to counter advanced threats, including hypersonic missiles, at longer ranges ⁠and higher altitudes.

"The cost of this would be about that of the existing PAC-3 MSE," Tim Cahill, ⁠president of missiles and fire control at Lockheed Martin, told ​Reuters. "At full production, the annual rate would be about 2,000 units a year, comparable with PAC-3 MSE."

In January, ‌Lockheed Martin signed a seven-year framework agreement with the US Department of Defense ‌to expand production of its PAC-3 missile interceptors, ⁠aiming to increase ‌annual manufacturing capacity ​to 2,000 units from about 600.

(Reporting by Apratim Sarkar in Bengaluru; Editing by Diti ‌Pujara)

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