The Investor
17 Sep 2026, 16:10
Lockheed Martin and GM Defense Accelerate PAC-3 MSE Component Production
Lockheed Martin said GM Defense delivered the first mission-critical components for the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement interceptor just 22 days after the companies signed a formal contract, highlighting efforts to accelerate U.S. munitions production.
The agreement was signed on August 6, with the first batch of PAC-3 MSE housing components delivered on August 28. Lockheed Martin said components of this type can traditionally take months or even years to produce, making the rapid turnaround a notable example of applying commercial manufacturing practices to defense production.
GM Defense used its advanced casting and machining capabilities to meet military specifications, while Lockheed Martin said the partnership demonstrates how commercial manufacturing capacity can help expand the defense industrial base and improve missile production speed.
The effort comes as Lockheed Martin invests between $8 billion and $9 billion to expand munitions production across the U.S. The company said planned expansions will increase its production and warehousing space for munitions by nearly 50% and support programs including PAC-3 MSE, THAAD and Precision Strike Missile.
Lockheed Martin and GM Defense said they plan to expand the partnership further, applying commercial manufacturing practices across additional munitions and future defense programs.
Lockheed Martin said GM Defense delivered the first mission-critical components for the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement interceptor just 22 days after the companies signed a formal contract, highlighting efforts to accelerate U.S. munitions production.
The agreement was signed on August 6, with the first batch of PAC-3 MSE housing components delivered on August 28. Lockheed Martin said components of this type can traditionally take months or even years to produce, making the rapid turnaround a notable example of applying commercial manufacturing practices to defense production.
GM Defense used its advanced casting and machining capabilities to meet military specifications, while Lockheed Martin said the partnership demonstrates how commercial manufacturing capacity can help expand the defense industrial base and improve missile production speed.
The effort comes as Lockheed Martin invests between $8 billion and $9 billion to expand munitions production across the U.S. The company said planned expansions will increase its production and warehousing space for munitions by nearly 50% and support programs including PAC-3 MSE, THAAD and Precision Strike Missile.
Lockheed Martin and GM Defense said they plan to expand the partnership further, applying commercial manufacturing practices across additional munitions and future defense programs.
