Overview
- Lockheed unveiled PAC-3 Edge on Monday at the Association of the U.S. Army meeting and said the Army advanced the design to the next stage of the Future Interceptor competition.
- The missile adds a new seeker developed in Lockheed’s Strigo product center, which the company says it funded with about $250 million, plus attitude control thrusters for greater agility.
- Lockheed is partnering with Northrop Grumman on a multi‑pulse solid rocket motor that includes a third pulse to extend range and give the missile extra in‑flight maneuvering options.
- The company plans company‑led flight testing beginning in 2027 and is aiming for a residual operational capability around 2031, while the Army has not publicly confirmed selections, budgets, quantities, performance numbers or costs.
- PAC-3 Edge builds on the combat‑proven PAC-3 MSE and is framed to fit between MSE and THAAD in the Army’s layered defense; Lockheed says the missile is compatible with existing launchers and IBCS, a move that could speed fielding if the service selects it.