Lockheed Martin has unveiled a new, cheaper missile for the Patriot system designed to shoot down Russian ballistic missiles
Lockheed Martin has unveiled its new Adapted Capability Effector (ACE) missile, which will serve as a cheaper, albeit less capable, alternative to the PAC-3 interceptor for Patriot air defence systems. The unveiling took place at the Farnborough International Airshow. This was reported by ThePublic, citing Defence One.
The new missile will use the Patriot PAC-3 launcher and compatible control system software, but will feature a cheaper rocket motor, radar seeker and electronic control system.
Tim Cahill, president of Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control division, stated that the ACE is not designed to intercept the most advanced ballistic missiles. Instead, it is being developed to counter less sophisticated short-range ballistic missiles, such as those recently deployed by Russia and Iran.
Analysts note that guidance systems are among the most expensive components of the current PAC-3 interceptors. Simplifying these systems could significantly reduce the cost of the new missile.
Tom Karako, Director of the Missile Defence Project at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, stated that the US, its allies and all Patriot operators need as many PAC-3 interceptors as the industry is capable of producing. At the same time, he said, cheaper alternatives are also needed, as not all missions require the capabilities of the most advanced missiles.
Lockheed Martin emphasised that the ACE is not being developed to counter drones. Instead, the missile is intended to fill a gap in the defence against short-range ballistic missiles, for which there is currently no more affordable solution.
The report notes that Ukraine continues to require PAC-3 interceptors due to regular attacks by Russian ballistic missiles. It is also reported that, following the use of a significant number of such missiles during combat operations, US stocks have dwindled; and when Ukraine ran out of PAC-3 interceptors this month, Russia intensified its short-range missile strikes.
The company is already offering the new missile to countries that operate compatible PAC-3 launchers. Lockheed Martin is also considering the possibility of jointly developing and producing the ACE with European partners.
According to Tim Cahill, production of the new missile could begin in 2028 or earlier, provided governments agree to provide the necessary funding and coordinate the project.
