The most advanced version of the Patriot missile successfully defeated a tactical ballistic missile threat target during a test conducted over the weekend. This significant achievement indicates a major step toward the U.S. Army’s transition to a modernized missile defense capability. The test took place at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, utilizing both the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) and the Cost Reduction Interceptor (CRI) missiles.
Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the Patriot family of missiles, stated that “the interceptors were shot in a ripple configuration and successfully engaged and intercepted the TBM target.” The test integrated the Raytheon-developed Lower-Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) radar with PAC-3 missiles, building upon prior efforts that showcased PAC-3’s integration capabilities with the Army’s Integrated Battle Command Systems (IBCS) and LTAMDS.
The IBCS, developed by Northrop Grumman, is a systems architecture that connects various sensors to shooters on the battlefield and is regarded as the brain of the Army’s future air and missile defense operations. LTAMDS aims to replace the older Patriot radar system, offering enhanced 360-degree protection.
Maj. Gen. Frank Lozano, the program executive officer for Army missiles and space, noted that while the Army had plans to replace the PAC-3 MSE interceptor with a next-generation missile, they have decided not to pursue that development for the time being. The recent success of the LTAMDS radar has led Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George to contemplate its early deployment to operational units for further evaluation and testing.
This particular test is part of a broader Integrated Fires Test Campaign that is ongoing since mid-September and will continue until December. The LTAMDS radar, initially tested with only its front array, is now demonstrating the functionality of its two rear arrays for comprehensive protection.
In addition, the Army is incorporating the Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) system this year, designed to combat various threats, including drones and cruise missiles, from fixed and semi-fixed locations. The Army completed a development test for IFPC in late summer, achieving three successful missile flight tests against two maneuvering unmanned aircraft systems and a maneuvering cruise missile.
Looking ahead, the Army plans to introduce a new version of its Sentinel radar (Version 4) in the next year, with additional elements to be added in the following year. These developments are expected to contribute to the Pentagon’s missile defense architecture for Guam, which is currently under development.
Jen Judson, who authored this report, is an award-winning journalist specializing in land warfare for Defense News. She holds a Master of Science degree in journalism from Boston University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Kenyon College.
