US Army Seeks PAC-3 Missile Defense System Support – 2027-2029
The U.S. Army issued a notice on March 2, 2026, seeking industry support for the continued maintenance and operation of the Patriot Advanced Capability-3, or PAC-3, missile defense system. The Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal published the notice, requesting capability statements from potential contractors by March 17, 2026, for follow-on Technical Assistance and Field Service Representative support spanning program years 2027 through 2029.
The solicitation arrives as demand for the PAC-3 missile system remains high, prompting increased production and sustainment efforts. In October 2024, the Army amended a contract with Lockheed Martin, authorizing up to $752.3 million to increase the annual production capacity of PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) missiles to 650 units per year, up from 550. This move aimed to address growing demand from both U.S. Forces and allied nations, according to the Army.
Beyond increased production, the Army is also investing in the long-term viability of existing PAC-3 missiles. In January 2026, Lockheed Martin secured a $202.8-million contract to inspect, recertify, and repair PAC-3 interceptor missiles, extending their service life. This perform is being conducted at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Grand Prairie, Texas, and is scheduled to continue through June 30, 2028. The contract includes funding from a foreign military sales agreement with Taiwan, with $52.4 million allocated from fiscal year 2022 funds.
Recent large-scale contracts underscore the Army’s commitment to the PAC-3 system. In September 2025, Lockheed Martin was awarded a $9.8-billion contract for the production of 1,970 PAC-3 MSE interceptors and associated hardware for fiscal years 2024 through 2026. Prior to that, in July 2024, Lockheed won a $5.2-billion contract to supply PAC-3 missiles to the Army, with deliveries scheduled through 2027. A further $4.5-billion multiyear contract was executed in June 2024 for PAC-3 MSE missile production.
The PAC-3 interceptor is the most advanced component of the Patriot air and missile defense family, utilizing a hit-to-kill mechanism to destroy incoming threats through direct impact. It is designed to counter tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and advanced aircraft. The current solicitation for technical assistance and field service support suggests a continued emphasis on maintaining the operational readiness of these systems as global security concerns evolve.
On February 20, 2026, the U.S. Army also awarded Lockheed Martin a $43.5 million contract modification to support product assurance and launcher recapitalization for the PAC-3 system.