New Lockheed Martin facility to support increased production of PAC-3 MSE Missile Segment Enhancement air defense system.

On October 4, Lockheed Martin marked the opening of a new All-Up Round III (AUR III) facility at Camden Operations in Arkansas. The 85,000-square-foot expansion supports increased production capacity for the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE).
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Lockheed Martin PAC-3 MSE missile at MSPO defense exhibition in Poland, September 2017. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

“Lockheed Martin’s Camden Operations is a world-class facility with an exceptional team dedicated to supporting mission success for our customers. We are honored to build on this legacy through the expansion and remain committed to delivering innovative products and solutions for our country and our allied nations,” said Scott Greene, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by Department of Defense officials and Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, celebrated the second expansion in Camden since a $142 million investment announcement in June 2019. The award-winning Camden facility contributes components and performs final assembly for several key Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) and Precision Fires products.

"Lockheed Martin is a critical member of the defense industry in Arkansas," Governor Hutchinson said. "Their dedication to Camden, our state and nation, and American allies make Arkansas proud to be their partner. Congratulations to Lockheed Martin on their expansion, and I look forward to their continued success in the Natural State."

Lockheed Martin has steadily increased production numbers of PAC-3 MSE since achieving a full-rate production decision in 2018, currently producing more than 300 PAC-3 MSEs each year and expecting to increase to 500 PAC-3 MSEs.

The PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) is an evolution of the battle-proven PAC-3 Missile. The hit-to-kill PAC-3 MSE provides performance enhancements that counter evolving threat advancements. The enhancements ensure the PAC-3 Missile Segment of the Patriot Air Defense System is capable of engaging new and evolving threats. The hit-to-kill PAC-3 Missile is the world’s most advanced, and capable theater air defense missile and defender against the entire threat to the PATRIOT Air Defense System: Tactical Ballistic Missiles (TBMs) carrying weapons of mass destruction, evolving cruise missiles and aircraft.

The PAC-3 MSE design utilizes the latest technology to significantly increase performance. The PAC-3 MSE incorporates a larger, dual pulse solid rocket motor; larger fins; and upgraded actuators and thermal batteries to accommodate increased performance. The modifications extend the missile’s reach.

The PAC-3 MSE is packaged in a single canister that stacks to provide logistical flexibility. Twelve individual PAC-3 MSE Missiles can be loaded on a PATRIOT Launcher or a combination of six MSEs and eight PAC-3 Missiles (two four packs) can be loaded.