PAC-3 Edge: a sharper eye for the Patriot
Lockheed's new interceptor is built to catch hypersonic weapons, and says it costs about the same as today's model. Here's what it is, and why it matters right now.
What it is
PAC-3 Edge is a new interceptor for the Patriot air-defense system, unveiled by Lockheed Martin on October 10. Think of it as the next model of the missile Patriot already fires, the PAC-3 MSE.
What it does
It gets a new seeker, better flight controls and a rocket motor from Northrop Grumman. Lockheed says that lets it hit faster, harder targets, like hypersonic missiles, at longer range and higher up.
Who has it
Nobody yet. It has just been unveiled. Lockheed says it should cost about the same as today's PAC-3 MSE.
Why it matters right now
Air-defense missiles are running short because of the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. On October 6, Boeing signed a seven-year deal to triple production of the seeker used in today's PAC-3 MSE. A better missile at a similar price could shape very big future orders.
There's a second reason. North Korea says a missile it fired on October 4 can change course at low altitude and uses AI. Nobody has confirmed that. But missiles that swerve are harder for systems like Patriot to stop, which is exactly the gap a newer interceptor is meant to close.
- Maker
- Lockheed Martin, with a Northrop Grumman rocket motor
- Job
- Hit incoming missiles, including hypersonic ones
- What's new
- Seeker, flight controls, rocket motor
- Price
- About the same as PAC-3 MSE, Lockheed says
- Status
- Unveiled 10 Oct 2026. Not yet tested or sold
What we don't know yet
- When PAC-3 Edge is first tested.
- Who buys it first, and what it really costs once orders are signed.
Note this down
Oct 22: Lockheed's results call. Listen for test dates or first buyers.