Lockheed Martin and Diehl Defence have agreed to deepen their cooperation on the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) program, aiming to bolster global supply chain resilience and expand joint industrial capabilities. The companies formalized their collaboration through a memorandum of understanding, outlining plans for shared R&D initiatives, industrial coordination, and expanded production across Europe and international markets.
The move aligns with a broader US-led effort to scale up air and missile defense production in response to increasing global security demands. The agreement also highlights an industry-wide shift toward localized manufacturing and supply diversification to safeguard critical defense production lines.
Torsten Cook, Senior Vice President at Diehl Defence, said the partnership reinforces Europe’s ability to contribute to the collective defense ecosystem of NATO and allied nations.
About the PAC-3 MSE Interceptor
The PAC-3 MSE is the latest evolution of the Patriot interceptor family, featuring advanced propulsion, agility, and precision hit-to-kill technology to counter ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic threats. Operated by 17 countries, it plays a vital role in US and NATO integrated air defense systems.
Lockheed Martin is currently fulfilling a $9.8 billion US Army contract to produce nearly 2,000 interceptors. Its collaboration with Diehl complements partnerships with other European suppliers such as Sener, Oesía-Tecnobit, and WZE, expanding the regional manufacturing base for key components.
The PAC-3 MSE continues to evolve alongside integration efforts with the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS) and the Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) — a joint US-German-Italian initiative that connects multiple interceptors and sensors under one interoperable framework.
