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2024-05-03

Lockheed to Deliver Hit-to-Kill Shield Upgrade for Navy

In the ever-changing landscape of security threats, Naval Forces are under constant pressure to stay ahead with sophisticated and flexible defences. Recognising this imperative, Lockheed Martin is spearheading efforts to fortify Naval capabilities against modern threats.

The company’s focus lies in integrating the proven Patriot Advanced Capability — 3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) with the battle-tested Aegis Weapon System, to deliver an enhanced Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) capability to Naval Forces, which can create a formidable shield for sailors.

This strategic partnership not only bolsters defence capabilities but also underscores the commitment to providing Naval Forces with latest technology to counter evolving adversarial challenges.

When combined with the Aegis Weapon System, the PAC-3 MSE not only amplifies the existing capabilities but also augments the capacity of the Aegis to effectively counter sophisticated threats.

This synergy between PAC-3 MSE and the Aegis system delivers unparalleled performance, especially against agile threats specifically engineered to challenge Navy weapon systems and defences.

The production of PAC-3 MSE missiles is on an upward trajectory. Currently, the production line is robustly manufacturing 550 PAC-3 MSEs annually. Lockheed Martin has allocated additional funding to boost production capacity, aiming to ramp it up to 650 PAC-3 MSEs per year.

This expansion in PAC-3 production, coupled with its cutting-edge IAMD capabilities, positions the U.S. Navy to bridge crucial capability and capacity gaps effectively and promptly. With these advancements, the Navy is poised to tackle emerging threats head-on.

Tech Integration Commitment

Lockheed Martin has committed to enhancing the PAC-3 MSE to facilitate seamless integration with the Aegis Weapon System through technological upgrades. This investment focuses on modifying the PAC-3 MSE to ensure compatibility with the MK41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) and the Aegis system.

In a significant milestone reached in June 2023, the company successfully validated the PAC-3 MSE’s compatibility with the Aegis Weapon System during a communications test. The test involved a modified PAC-3 MSE datalink communicating effectively with the SPY-1 Radar, a vital component of the Aegis system.

To achieve this compatibility, the PAC-3 MSE’s original dual-band datalink underwent modification to become a tri-band datalink. This enhancement allows the PAC-3 MSE to communicate at the S-band frequency, which is integral to the Aegis Weapon System, ensuring a harmonised and effective integration between the two systems. A live-fire flight test is planned for later this year.

Hit-to-Kill Interceptor

The PAC-3 MSE stands as a combat-proven, Hit-to-Kill Interceptor meticulously designed to thwart a diverse range of incoming threats. These threats encompass tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, sophisticated airborne threats, and various types of aircraft.

What sets the PAC-3 MSE apart is its unique Hit-to-Kill technology. Instead of relying on blast-fragmentation methods commonly used in other interceptors, it utilises a direct body-to-body contact approach.

This method ensures that the interceptor makes precise contact with the threat, delivering a significantly higher kinetic energy impact on the target. This high-impact approach not only enhances the interceptor’s effectiveness but also ensures a more robust defence against increasingly complex and agile threats.

Premier Naval Defence

The Aegis Weapon System is the U.S. Navy’s and six International Allies’ Surface Combat System. It is the most mature, capable, and deployed multi-mission combat system in the world. Aegis integrates a broad range of sensors and weapons to provide simultaneous integrated air and missile defence, also known as IAMD capability.

With 50 years of proven capability, Aegis has consistently adapted to stay ahead of evolving IAMD threats. This adaptability is achieved through the swift integration of advanced capabilities and system updates, facilitated by cutting-edge software development processes, microservices, and containerisation techniques.

Seamless Compatibility

Lockheed Martin is making substantial investments to ensure the seamless integration of the PAC-3 MSE with the legacy MK41 VLS as part of the Aegis Weapon System.

The MK41 VLS boasts an impressive track record with over 4,300 successful missile firings, establishing itself as a combat-proven launcher. Unlike conventional and single-purpose launchers found on surface ships, the MK41 VLS addresses and eliminates many associated problems.

Positioned below deck, it offers several advantages. It ensures unparalleled operational availability by streamlining missile launch processes. Its design also prioritises survivability, reducing vulnerability to enemy threats. Moreover, the system’s versatility allows for a wide range of missile types to be launched, catering to various mission requirements.

It requires minimal staffing, training, and maintenance efforts, enhancing its cost-effectiveness and efficiency for maritime operations.

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