The US Navy has completed an important test, in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, which involved the launch of the upgraded PAC-3 MSE missile from a vertical launch system in view of future integration on US warships.

In particular, the successful test used a four-cell Mk.70 launch system, the design of which is based on the vertical Mk.41 VLS launchers, with the PAC-3 MSE anti-aircraft missile shooting down a target that simulated an enemy cruise missile.

According to Lockheed Martin, the launch of the missile also used an alternative configuration of the Aegis Battle Management System, which can interface and work with various weapon systems and sensors, as the backbone of interoperability of US surface units’ systems.

As part of the test, it was also established that the PAC-3 MSE missiles could be launched and operated using not only their launch system radars, but also the AN/SPY-1-type radars currently deployed on the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and the Ticonderoga-class cruisers.

Also read: US Navy | First combat use of SM-3 Missiles