Lockheed unveils PAC-3 Edge interceptor for hypersonic threats

Lockheed Martin unveiled the PAC-3 Edge interceptor on October 9, a new missile designed for hypersonic and advanced threats at longer ranges and higher altitudes, costing about the same as the existing PAC-3 MSE.

Why it matters: It formalizes the Army's bet on scaling air defense: a seven-year framework aims to lift annual PAC-3 output from about 600 to 2,000 interceptors, after Ukraine and Middle East conflicts strained stockpiles.

Data as of Defense News republishing Reuters, October 10, 2026 (article opened and read in full); contract figures from the Reuters reporting. No unveiling venue was named in the report.

Lockheed Martin unveiled the PAC-3 Edge missile interceptor on Friday, October 9, pairing a new seeker and upgraded flight controls with a multi-pulse rocket motor supplied by Northrop Grumman. Tim Cahill, president of Lockheed’s missiles and fire control unit, said the cost would be about that of the existing PAC-3 MSE, with full production running at roughly 2,000 units a year.

The reveal follows the Army’s up to $58.6 billion award to Lockheed in July to ramp PAC-3 production, plus a seven-year Pentagon framework signed in January aimed at raising annual capacity from about 600 to 2,000 interceptors as Ukraine and Middle East conflicts strained stockpiles.

Lockheed unveils PAC-3 Edge interceptor for hypersonic threats

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