Under sophisticated optical and electrical testing, the pathfinder seeker and associated kill vehicle electronics have been demonstrating full functionality

In the event of an enemy launch, a single interceptor equipped with the Multiple Kill Vehicle payload system will destroy the enemy lethal reentry vehicle along with any countermeasures deployed to try and spoof the missile defense system. This many-on-many strategy reduces the need for extensive pre-launch intelligence and leverages the Ballistic Missile Defense System discrimination capability, ensuring a robust and affordable solution to emerging threats.

"We are making significant progress in developing components for this critical Missile Defense Agency payload system," said Rick Reginato, Multiple Kill Vehicle program director, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company. "We've built and tested the first of two pathfinder seekers ahead of schedule, demonstrating our ability to master this challenging technology for the Agency and the Nation's defense."

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Lockheed Martin
US Missile Defense Agency