Lockheed Martin Launches Low‑Cost PAC‑3 ACE Interceptor for Patriot

Lockheed Martin announced the PAC‑3 Adapted Capability Effector (PAC‑3 ACE) at the Farnborough International Airshow. The new interceptor is designed for the Patriot air‑defence system and costs less than half of the current PAC‑3 Missile Segment Enhancement, which costs about $4 million per unit. PAC‑3 ACE is projected to cost under $2 million and is intended to counter air‑breathing threats, cruise missiles and short‑range ballistic missiles.

The company said the missile will use the proven PAC‑3 fire‑control system and integrate with the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS). Production is planned to begin around 2028 after a 36‑month development phase, with rapid fielding possible within three years. Lockheed Martin will work with U.S. and European industrial partners to expand manufacturing capacity and strengthen the trans‑Atlantic defence industrial base. Tim Cahill, president of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, emphasized the need for an affordable, battle‑tested solution to address the global shortage of interceptors driven by the Ukraine conflict and heightened tensions in the Middle East.