Investing.com -- The U.S. Navy plans to deploy Patriot missile interceptors on warships to enhance protection against enemy drones and missiles, officials said Tuesday.

Lockheed Martin Corp. announced Tuesday a $200 million contract to integrate the missiles into a weapon system used by Navy ships. The deal does not specify a timeline for the integration.

The Navy is requesting $1.7 billion in its fiscal 2027 budget to purchase Lockheed Martin's PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement interceptor, according to Pentagon procurement documents.

The move follows several years of testing that demonstrated the effectiveness of firing the missiles when integrated with the Navy's Aegis Combat System, which tracks threats aboard cruisers and destroyers.

Patriot interceptors have been a ground-based air defense system for the U.S. Army and are used by 16 other nations. The contract represents the Navy's commitment to add the missile to its inventory.

The Pentagon is increasing PAC-3 MSE production from approximately 600 units per year to 2,000 by the end of 2030 under a seven-year agreement with Lockheed Martin.