Lockheed Martin develops cheaper Patriot missile variant

Lockheed Martin is developing a more affordable version of the Patriot missile system to address production capacity limits and high costs. The new missile, designated as the PAC-3 ACE (Adapted Capability Effector), aims to increase production rates for the United States and Ukraine.

While the PAC-3 ACE is expected to cost approximately $2 million per unit, it remains significantly less expensive than the $4 million ballistic interceptor or the $7–8 million PAC-3 MSE version. The design focuses on simplifying components to reduce costs and enhance availability, though it involves trade-offs in technical complexity compared to existing high-end interceptors.