U.S. And Switzerland Sign Deal for PAC-3 MSE Missile

Switzerland will buy Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE)missiles and accompanying support equipment from Lockheed Martin. Switzerland becomes the PAC-3's 15th partner country.

"We are honored to partner with Switzerland to provide the latest in air and missile defense technology to protect and defend Switzerland's airspace from incoming threats," said Brenda Davidson, vice president of PAC-3 Programs. "Switzerland joins 14 other nations in strengthening their homeland defense against evolving threats."

As part of the Swiss Air Force's Air2030 program, the PAC-3 MSE will augment Switzerland's Patriot ground-based air defense system.

In addition, Lockheed Martin and armasuisse completed the Offset Agreement for the PAC-3 MSE program.The agreement serves as the impetus for a number of new initiatives that will benefit Switzerland's security-relevant technology and industrial base (STIB).

With a dual-pulse solid rocket motor that increases altitude and range, the PAC-3 MSE broadens the battlespace. The PAC-3 MSE is a high-speed interceptor designed to counter incoming threats such as tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, advanced threats, and aircraft. The PAC-3 MSE missile employs Hit-to-Kill technology to intercept threats using kinetic energy through body-to-body contact.

(with inputs from GBP)