The US is pouring resources into acquiring new anti-aircraft missiles.

The U.S. War Department has reached an agreement with Lockheed Martin to increase production of PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptor missiles to more than 2,000 units per year, more than triple the current production rate.

“We will create unprecedented production capabilities for the PAC-3 MSE, meeting the speed demands of our nation and allies, while delivering value to our taxpayers and shareholders,” Jim Taiclet, President and CEO of Lockheed Martin, stated in a press release.

Lockheed Martin needs to triple the number of Patriot missiles to meet U.S. demand.

This seven-year agreement, currently in the framework stage awaiting initial contract awarding, follows the Pentagon’s new Procurement Transformation Strategy to secure long-term investments with industry partners while accelerating production speed.

“Speed and a focus on results are fundamental to successful deterrence,” Secretary Pete Hegseth stated last November at the National War College, where he announced plans to reform the defense procurement process.

Mr. Hegseth said: “Our military and taxpayers need a defense industry platform they can rely on to scale up urgently during crises, not one that waits for money before acting urgently.”

The PAC-3 MSE variant, equipped with a twin-pulse rocket engine, intercepts high-speed targets. Photo: LM

According to the press release, as part of the new agreement, the Pentagon aims to sign seven-year subcontracts with Lockheed's suppliers to ensure streamlined funding and production.

PAC-3 is an interceptor missile designed to engage and destroy incoming enemy missiles, including tactical ballistic missiles and cruise missiles.

The MSE variant is equipped with a dual-pulse rocket engine, increasing its ability to engage incoming enemy missiles at long ranges and high altitudes.

The demand for interceptor missiles is increasing as the US is working to build the Golden Dome missile defense system, aimed at protecting US territory from missiles fired by foreign adversaries using multi-layered defense systems.

This also stems from increased efforts by NATO allies and international partners to bolster their own air defense capabilities, with the US increasing sales of AMRAAM missiles – which are also used as ground-launched interceptor missiles – last August.

According to Lockheed, production of the PAC-3 MSE interceptor missile increased by more than 20% last year, and the company also noted that this type of missile will be supplied to the US military as well as international allies.