Lockheed Martin has announced the successful integration of its Patriot Advanced Capability – 3 (PAC-3) missile with the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) radar.
A first for both systems, the integration will provide the US Army with better defense against air-breathing threats, as the LTAMDS is considered a key component of the service’s modern air and missile defense strategy.
During the recent trial at White Sands Missile Range, the radar successfully sent data to the missile for effective threat engagement.
The LTAMDS-aided PAC-3 maintained its proven hit-to-kill intercept capability during the live-fire test.
“Today’s test is another example of how Lockheed Martin is advancing modernized air and missile defense capabilities for 21st century security,” vice president of PAC-3 Programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control Brenda Davidson said.
For the first time, PAC-3 successfully integrated with the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) radar to defeat a flight test target.
This mission demonstrates how Lockheed Martin is advancing the U.S. Army’s modernized air and missile defense strategy.
— Lockheed Martin News (@LMNews) November 16, 2023
Staying Ahead of Evolving Threats
The latest and most advanced Patriot missile, the PAC-3 utilizes cutting-edge technologies to defend against incoming threats using direct body-to-body contact.
It boasts a fast-reaction capability, high firepower, and the ability to simultaneously track targets, such as tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and advanced aircraft.
Meanwhile, Raytheon’s LTAMDS radar is designed to defeat advanced and next-generation threats, including hypersonic weapons.
It has three antenna arrays to detect and help engage multiple threats from any direction at the same time.
Davidson said the PAC-3 and LTAMDS integration serves as a crucial step towards fielding an integrated air and missile defense solution to keep American soldiers ahead of evolving threats.
