Key Takeaways:
- 1. Lockheed Martin demonstrated expeditionary air defense concepts on USS Montgomery using the M903 Patriot launcher.
- 2. The Patriot launcher adds missile defense capabilities to the Littoral Combat Ship platform.
- 3. Integration of PAC-3 MSE missiles into the Mk 41 VLS cells is planned for future fleet defense missions.
Lockheed Martin conducted tests with the M903 Patriot launcher on USS Montgomery to showcase air defense capabilities for ships at sea. The integration of the Patriot launcher enhances missile defense options for the Littoral Combat Ship platform, with plans to include PAC-3 MSE missiles into the Mk 41 VLS cells. This development aims to address the Pacific region's increasing missile threats, especially from China, and improve the lethality and defense capabilities of littoral combat ships.
Insight: The demonstration of the Patriot launcher on USS Montgomery could signal a new expeditionary air defense capability for littoral waters, offering high-end air and missile defense to the region. The U.S. Navy is focusing on enhancing LCS firepower and magazine depth to support various combat missions, including fleet defense, as part of efforts to bolster combat capabilities for high-end warfare.
This article was curated by memoment.jp from the feed source: Naval News.
Read the original article here: https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/08/patriot-missile-system-paired-with-littoral-combat-ship-in-test/
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