Army taps Lockheed to build next-generation interceptor amid stockpile concerns

Lockheed Martin unveiled its newest and most advanced Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Edge missile earlier this month.

A more powerful Patriot interceptor designed to destroy enemy missiles at greater distances and altitudes will be produced for the Army. An illustration of a PAC-3 Edge being fired from a mobile launcher. Lockheed Martin is partnering with the Army to mass-produce the Edge, which is touted as an improved means of air defense. (Courtesy of Lockheed Martin) A more powerful Patriot interceptor designed to destroy enemy missiles at greater distances and altitudes will be produced for the Army, which gave the roughly $1 billion project to Lockheed Martin. The move, announced Thursday, comes as threats from drones, ballistic missiles and hypersonic weapons mount across Europe and the Middle East. That multiplication of endangered territory is placing growing demands on U.S.

air defense systems. The Army will contribute $660.4 million to the Future Interceptor program, and Lockheed will kick in $423 million, the Army said in a statement. Lockheed unveiled its newest and most advanced Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Edge missile earlier this month. The interceptor is designed to counter evolving air and missile threats by meeting them farther away and at higher altitudes. The Edge features control system upgrades and a multipulse solid rocket motor that delivers precision thrust throughout the interceptor’s flight. The Army’s latest agreement with the Maryland-based company allows the military to accelerate the process by operating