It is considered the most mature hit-to-kill weapon system in the U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) and Boeing just won their second multi-billion-dollar contract this year to expand the Army’s PATRIOT Advanced Capability (PAC) -3 seeker missiles.

Boeing expanded their Huntsville facilities in 2022 to accommodate future seeker production growth. Under the new $1.1 billion contract, Boeing, as subcontractor to Lockheed Martin, will produce approximately 1,500 additional seekers for the Army’s PAC-3 missile beginning in 2023 through 2026.

Using infrared “heat seekers”, the Boeing-built missiles provide guidance data to the PAC-3 interceptor, which has protected warfighters, allies, and international partners around the world from a variety of air and missile threats for the past 20 years.

Boeing has produced more than 4,300 PAC-3 missile seekers since 2000. They were awarded $974 million in contracts in 2020 to extend PAC-3 missile seeker production into 2022, as well as develop the next-generation of the seeker.

“Our battle-tested, precision seeker is the product of decades of world-class engineering, research and development,” said Robert Green, director of Boeing Integrated Air and Missile Defense. “Of course, none of this would be possible without the dedication and hard work of our entire PAC-3 team. As air and missile defense needs increase worldwide, we’re proud to be entrusted with continuing to deliver this critical capability to protect those who serve in uniform.”

Featured Image Credits: Boeing Integrated Air and Missile Defense