U.S. Navy to Procure 405 PAC-3 Missiles Amid Surge in Defense Spending
The U.S. Navy plans to acquire 405 Patriot PAC-3 MSE interceptors as part of a broader surge in defense procurement under the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget. This marks a dramatic leap from just 12 units purchased in FY 2026 and reflects a nearly $1.6 billion increase in Navy missile funding. The PAC-3s, integrated with the Navy's MK-41 Vertical Launch System aboard Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, will enhance ship-based missile defense capabilities, particularly against terminal-phase ballist