Lockheed Martin [LMT] successfully conducted two tactical ballistic missile interception tests with the Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC)-3 Cost Reduction Initiative (CRI) interceptors, the company said Thursday.
The company, which builds these missiles, said the test occurred at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., on Thursday and had two PAC-3 CRI missiles intercept two tactical ballistic missile targets.
The company noted this test supported the Army’s Field Surveillance Program (FSP), “ensuring the reliability and readiness of fielded PAC-3 missiles.”
The tests marked the 12
th and 13th successful intercepts in the PAC-3 CRI FSP in seven years.
“PAC-3 continues its long history of reliability and readiness in the field and remains the only combat proven Hit-to-Kill interceptor in the world,” Jay Pitman, vice president of PAC-3 programs at Lockheed Martin’s missiles and fire control division, said in a statement.
Lockheed Martin noted this test both demonstrated the general hit-to-kill PAC-3 capability and reconfirmed the interceptor’s ability to detect, track, and intercept incoming missile while also meeting reliability requirements.
Representatives from the Army as well as current and potential Foreign Military Sales PAC-3 customers observed the test.
Current PAC-3 customers beyond the U.S. include Bahrain, Germany, Japan, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Sweden, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates.