A new PAC-3 missile contract for Boeing will result in the creation of hundreds of jobs in the Huntsville area.

Under the $14.7 billion contract awarded by Lockheed Martin, Boeing will triple production and deliver PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement seekers, according to a Boeing news release.

“Early investment and a relentless focus on quality and execution have positioned us to now deliver seekers at unprecedented levels in the near-term, and we’re committed to building on that momentum,” said Steve Parker, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “Our Boeing teammates could not be prouder of the role they play in protecting U.S. and allied service members, civilians and critical infrastructure worldwide.”

Boeing-built seekers enable Patriot interceptors to identify, track and engage advanced threats ranging from hostile aircraft to hypersonic, ballistic and cruise missiles.

In addition to recent capital investments to expand its PAC-3 seeker factory, Boeing has strengthened supplier relationships for a more agile, affordable, resilient and scalable supply chain, modernized facilities with cutting-edge technology, and improved processes and controls to increase first-time quality.

Production ramp-up and hiring to support the contract began this year following the framework agreement announcement, with hundreds of direct and indirect jobs expected to be created in the Huntsville area as a result of the contract, the news release said.

The contract is part of a $53.86 billion contract the DoD awarded Lockheed Martin in July for the PAC-3 MSE interceptors.

“This is a once-in-a-generation moment, and we are moving with wartime urgency to deliver the Arsenal of Freedom,” said Lockheed Martin Chairman, President and CEO Jim Taiclet. “Lockheed Martin is sparing no effort with our investment, hiring and facility upgrades as we deliver on the government’s acquisition transformation.