PAC3

PAC-3 stands for Patriot Advanced Capability-3, a major modernization of the Patriot air and missile defense system developed by the United States to defend against short-range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and other aerial threats. Introduced in the early 2000s, PAC-3 replaces or augments older Patriot interceptors with a hit-to-kill interceptor designed to destroy targets on contact through kinetic energy.

The upgrade adds improved maneuverability, enhanced target discrimination, and an expanded engagement envelope, enabling interception at higher altitudes and greater ranges than earlier Patriot missiles. It relies on the Patriot's radar and fire-control network to detect, track, and guide the interceptor to the target for a collision.

Variants in the PAC-3 family include the initial PAC-3 interceptor and later enhancements such as the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE), which increases range and altitude to improve performance against more capable ballistic missiles and maneuvering targets.

Operational use: PAC-3 is deployed on standard Patriot batteries and is in service with the U.S. Army and a number of allied nations. It integrates with existing ground-based air defense infrastructure and can defend critical assets and deployed forces. The system emphasizes precision intercepts with reduced collateral risk and continues to receive software and hardware upgrades as part of ongoing modernization programs.

Overall, PAC-3 represents a core element of contemporary short-range ballistic missile defense and integrated air defense architectures, providing a flexible and scalable option for protecting forces and civilian populations.