BETHESDA, Md., April 21, 2026 – The U.S. government announced a contract with Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) for the development, integration and testing of PAC-3® Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) into the Aegis Combat System. This move places the U.S. Navy among the ranks of PAC-3 MSE users around the world, including the U.S. Army and 16 partner nations, giving U.S. Navy warships a razor-sharp defense that helps keep America’s freedom of the seas unchallenged. 

THE BIG PICTURE 

PAC-3 MSE is combat proven in real-world operations and is a key IAMD capability for the U.S. and its allies. The U.S. government awarded Lockheed Martin a multi-million 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 U.S. Department of War to rapidly accelerate the production and delivery of PAC-3 MSE in support of the Arsenal of Freedom.  

WHY IT MATTERS  

• Pioneering the next generation: Integrating the PAC-3 MSE and the Aegis Combat System will enhance the U.S. Navy’s IAMD capabilities, giving America a commanding, battle-ready shield against any threat.   

• Delivering with urgency: Successful technology demos have provided a head start on delivering this capability to the Navy and boosting maritime defense. 

• Self-funded: Prior to receiving government funding, Lockheed Martin delivered on Department of War priorities and made internal investments to integrate the world’s most advanced air defense missile with Aegis and the MK41 Vertical Launching System. 

EXPERT PERSPECTIVES  

• “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,” said Chandra Marshall, vice president, Lockheed Martin Multi-Domain Combat Solutions.  

ADDITIONAL CONTEXT  

• PAC-3 MSE features proven, hit-to-kill technology that delivers exponentially more kinetic energy on the target than can be achieved with blast fragmentation mechanisms. PAC-3 MSE is combat proven against ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as hypersonic and airborne threats.  

• Aegis has 50 years of proven capability, modern technology and flexible partnership opportunities. It is the most mature, capable multi-mission combat system and is adaptable to keep pace with evolving IAMD threats by rapidly integrating advanced capabilities and system updates through advanced software development processes, microservices and containerization.  

About Lockheed Martin  

Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at Lockheedmartin.com.