// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
PAC-3
PAC-3 is an advanced missile defense system that uses 'hit-to-kill' technology to intercept incoming tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft by directly colliding with them. It serves as a crucial component of the larger Patriot air defense system.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
The PAC-3 (Patriot Advanced Capability-3) is a highly agile, hit-to-kill missile interceptor, developed by Lockheed Martin, primarily deployed as part of the MIM-104 Patriot missile defense system to counter tactical ballistic missiles (TBMs), cruise missiles, and advanced aircraft threats through kinetic energy impact.
BACKGROUND
The MIM-104 Patriot is a mobile interceptor missile surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, the primary such system used by the United States Army and several allied states. It is manufactured by the U.S. defense contractor Raytheon and derives its name from the radar component of the weapon system. The AN/MPQ-53 at the heart of the system is known as the "Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept on Target", which is a backronym for "Patriot". In 1984, the Patriot system began to replace the Nike Hercules system as the U.S. Army's primary high to medium air defense (HIMAD) system and the MIM-23 Hawk system as the U.S. Army's medium tactical air defense system. In addition to defending against aircraft, Patriot is the U.S. Army's primary terminal-phase anti-ballistic missile (ABM) system. As of 2016, the system is expected to stay fielded until at least 2040.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Patriot Advanced Capability-3
- Patriot missile
- PAC-3 MSE
- MIM-104F
- hit-to-kill interceptor
- air defense missile
USAGE NOTE
PAC-3 missiles are frequently upgraded, with the latest variant being PAC-3 MSE (Missile Segment Enhancement), offering extended range and altitude for enhanced defense capabilities.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to PAC-3.
The prime contractor and lead developer of the PAC-3 (Patriot Advanced Capability-3) Missile Segment, including the PAC-3 MSE (Missile Segment Enhancement) interceptors, which are critical components of the Patriot air and missile defense system.
As the original prime contractor for the Patriot system, RTX (formerly Raytheon Missiles & Defense) develops and manufactures key components of the Patriot air and missile defense system, including the AN/MPQ-65 radar and command-and-control systems, which integrate with PAC-3 interceptors.
The Program Executive Office Missiles and Space (PEO MS) within the U.S. Army is responsible for managing the Patriot air and missile defense program, including the development, acquisition, and sustainment of the PAC-3 system, guiding its evolution and integration.
The U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) develops, fields, and sustains a layered and integrated ballistic missile defense system. While PAC-3 is an Army program, the MDA's efforts in integrated air and missile defense architecture and technologies often influence or incorporate systems like PAC-3.
Develops advanced C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) systems, including the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS), which is designed to integrate and modernize air and missile defense capabilities, allowing PAC-3 systems to connect with a broader network of sensors and effectors.