Lockheed Martin has landed a $5.2-billion contract to supply the US Army with Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missiles.
The US Department of Defense (DoD) did not say how many missiles will be delivered as part of the contract.
However, it said the work for the deal will be performed at Lockheed facilities in Alabama, Florida, New York, and nine other states.
Deliveries will run through 2027.
In October 2022, Lockheed announced the opening of a new facility in Arkansas to increase its PAC-3 missile production by 500 per year.
Defense Against Advanced Threats
The Patriot, or Phased Array Tracking to Intercept of Target, serves as the main air and missile defense system of the US Army.
It is designed to neutralize tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and advanced aircraft.
Over the years, the weapon has undergone necessary upgrades to address modern threats, paving the way for the PAC-3 iteration.
Featuring a nearly total system redesign, the new variant boasts advanced hit-to-kill technology, allowing the missile to destroy targets by directly striking them.
It is also equipped with Boeing’s Ka-band millimeter wave seeker that allows precise target detection, identification, tracking, and engagement support.