DALLAS — Lockheed Martin has received its first delivery of mission-critical components produced by GM Defense for the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptor.
The first batch of missile housing components was delivered on August 28, just 22 days after Lockheed Martin and GM Defense finalized and signed their manufacturing contract on August 6.
Accelerating Defense Manufacturing
Lockheed Martin said it is moving with “wartime urgency” to expand defense production and is working with U.S. Department of War leadership to apply commercial-style contracts and manufacturing practices to high-demand defense systems.
The partnership is focused on increasing production of PAC-3 MSE, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors and Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). The PAC-3 MSE is an advanced interceptor used by the Patriot air and missile defense system, which is facing high global demand.
GM Defense is contributing its automotive mass-production and precision-fabrication capabilities to the effort. Lockheed Martin said the partnership has enabled components that traditionally can take months or years to manufacture to be delivered in 22 days.
Expanding Munitions Infrastructure
Separately, Lockheed Martin is investing $8 billion to $9 billion in domestic manufacturing infrastructure. The company is constructing new buildings and expanding existing operations at more than 20 sites across the United States.
Once completed, the projects are expected to increase Lockheed Martin’s total munitions production and warehousing space by approximately 50 percent.
Rebuilding Interceptor Stockpiles
The initial GM Defense delivery is part of a broader effort to strengthen the U.S. defense supply chain and replenish interceptor stocks.
A recent Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimate said the U.S. military had used approximately 65 percent of its Patriot interceptors and reduced its THAAD interceptor stockpile by at least 38 percent by July 2026.
Lockheed Martin and GM Defense have indicated that they plan to extend the rapid commercial manufacturing approach to additional munitions programs to help rebuild stockpiles and support future national security requirements.
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