U.S. Steps Up Patriot PAC-3 MSE Missile Production to Rebuild Depleted Stockpiles.

The U.S. government has asked Lockheed Martin to examine a substantial increase in production of PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhanced (MSE) interceptors, used in Patriot air defense systems. According to Aviation Week and company officials, this request comes as the production rate originally set for 2027 has already been reached ahead of schedule, reflecting a marked rise in global demand in a context of heightened security tensions.
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This industrial ramp-up is driven by an operational context marked by multiple deployments of Patriot and THAAD systems (Picture source: US DoD)

The PAC-3 MSE is the most recent and capable version of the Patriot missile, designed to intercept tactical ballistic missiles, advanced cruise missiles, and certain aerial threats operating in electronic warfare environments. It employs a “hit-to-kill” approach that destroys the target through direct impact, supported by a more powerful solid-fuel rocket motor, optimized aerodynamic controls, and an upgraded guidance system. Each M901 launcher can carry up to sixteen PAC-3 MSE missiles, compared with four in earlier versions, significantly increasing firepower. The system relies on the AN/MPQ-65 radar, capable of detecting and tracking more than a hundred targets simultaneously, including ballistic missiles at a maximum range of 160 km, and transmitting real-time targeting data to the fire control system.

Brian Kubik, vice president of the PAC-3 program at Lockheed Martin, stated that under the current contract, the company is required to produce 650 interceptors annually by 2027. Based on the production rate over the past three months, this target has already been achieved. Discussions with the government now consider volumes of up to 2,000 units per year, far beyond the initial projections. For now, internal plans aim to produce 750 PAC-3 MSE missiles in 2027.

The planned increase concerns not only the Patriot system but also the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, which currently has an annual production rate of 96 interceptors. Dawn Golightly, vice president for upper-tier integrated air and missile defense at Lockheed Martin, confirmed that the company is assessing the capacity required to support an expanded production rate for both systems.

One of the main constraints on production was the availability of solid rocket motors. This limitation has largely been resolved thanks to increased output by L3Harris Technologies and Northrop Grumman, along with the active search for alternative suppliers. Kubik noted that the supply chain has anticipated the higher demand and is adapting accordingly.

The PAC-3 MSE is the version currently in production, but Lockheed Martin is already working on an upgrade called the Integrated Guidance Subsystem (IGS). This new generation, made possible by miniaturized electronics, will carry more propellant and thus extend the missile’s range. Production of the IGS is expected to begin within two years.

This industrial ramp-up is driven by an operational context marked by multiple deployments of Patriot and THAAD systems. In recent months, the United States, Israel, and other partners have used these interceptors to counter Iranian and Houthi attacks in the Middle East. In June 2025, the THAAD program recorded the largest interception in its history, neutralizing several Iranian missiles. Lockheed Martin and the Pentagon are drawing lessons from these events to plan future improvements, although no specific details have been disclosed.

The U.S. decision reflects an effort to anticipate requirements amid the growing number of aerial and missile threats. The Patriot PAC-3 MSE, alongside the THAAD, occupies a central role in the missile defense architecture of the United States and its allies. If implemented, the planned production increase could represent a shift in Washington’s ability to respond to multiple theaters of operation simultaneously.

Lockheed Martin has already met the production pace set for 2027 and is preparing to increase it significantly, potentially tripling the annual output. Improvements in rocket motor supply, ongoing technological developments, and strong international demand are driving the company and the U.S. government to consider a rapid expansion of capacity to reinforce defense capabilities in an increasingly unstable strategic environment.