US Navy to field PAC-3 MSE interceptor on Aegis warships for the first time

April 23, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

The US Government has awarded a contract to Lockheed Martin to develop, integrate, and test the PAC-3 MSE interceptor within the Aegis combat system.

The US government awarded Lockheed Martin a multi-million-dollar contract to continue munitions acceleration efforts and deliver a record number of PAC-3 MSE interceptors in 2026. This contract builds on the framework agreement Lockheed Martin signed with the US Department of War to rapidly accelerate the production and delivery of PAC-3 MSE in support of the Arsenal of Freedom.

PAC-3 MSE features a hit-to-kill technology that delivers exponentially more kinetic energy on the target than can be achieved with blast fragmentation mechanisms. According to Lockheed, the system is combat-proven against ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as hypersonic and airborne threats. It is already used by the US Army and 16 partner nations.

“By integrating PAC‑3 MSE’s capabilities into Aegis, the Navy is taking a decisive step forward in defending America’s fleet and our global interests against the most advanced threats,” said Jason Reynolds, vice president and general manager, Lockheed Martin IAMD.

“Lockheed Martin is driving the innovation behind this effort—bringing together advanced, combat‑proven systems in new ways to accelerate capability and deliver a decisive advantage in maritime defense.”

“This integration further expands the capability of Aegis to engage missile threats at multiple layers, enabling a more comprehensive and effective defense against evolving threats, ensuring the warfighter has the strategic advantage,” stated Chandra Marshall, vice president, Lockheed Martin Multi-Domain Combat Solutions. 

Prior to receiving government funding, Lockheed Martin delivered on Department of War priorities and made internal investments to integrate the air defense missile with Aegis and the MK41 vertical launching system.