Lockheed Martin has received a new order from Spain for Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement missiles.
According to Lockheed, with over 90 successful flight tests, the PAC-3 family of missiles defends against adversary systems through direct body-to-body contact, making the missiles more destructive compared to blast-fragmentation mechanisms.
The deal, which comes after reaching an agreement with the United States, continues the more than two decades of partnership between the company and the Spanish government. With the procurement, Spain becomes the 16th partner nation to use the PAC-3 missiles.
Brian Kubik, vice president of PAC-3 programs at Lockheed Martin, said the missiles will boost the European nation’s capability to defend its national security and ensure combat readiness amid an evolving battlefield.
The new PAC-3 missile order follows a move to further expanded Spain’s air defense capabilities with a $448 million deal with Kongsberg in April to acquire additional National Advanced Surface to Air Missile Systems.