DALLAS, Aug. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Army recently declared Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptor.

"This is an extremely significant milestone in the maturity of our PAC-3 MSE interceptor, providing the warfighter with a more advanced hit-to-kill interceptor against the full spectrum of lower-tier threats," said Scott Arnold, vice president of PAC-3 programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "PAC-3 MSE reaching IOC is important because it gives our soldiers an operational capability against imminent threats."

The PAC-3 Missile is a high-velocity interceptor that uses hit-to-kill technology to defend against incoming threats including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft. The U.S Army selected PAC-3 in 1994 to increase the intercept capability in the heritage Patriot system against TBMs. In 2003, Lockheed Martin received a contract to increase the altitude and range of the PAC-3 missile. PAC-3 MSE achieved Milestone C in early 2014 and Lockheed Martin received the first U.S. contract that same year.

PAC-3 MSE includes a larger, more powerful dual-pulse solid rocket motor for added thrust, along with larger fins and other structural modifications to increase agility. These enhancements nearly double the PAC-3's reach and dramatically improve performance against evolving threats.

As a world leader in systems integration and development of air and missile defense systems and technologies, Lockheed Martin delivers high-quality missile defense solutions that protect citizens, critical assets and deployed forces from current and future threats. The company's experience spans missile design and production, infrared seekers, command and control/battle management, and communications, precision pointing and tracking optics, radar and signal processing, as well as threat-representative targets for missile defense tests.

For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com.

About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 125,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

SOURCE Lockheed Martin