The US Army is looking for a cheaper missile for the Patriot system, costing up to $1 million
The US Army has approached defence companies with a request to develop a new interceptor for the Patriot air defence system, costing less than one million dollars per unit, according to The War Zone.
The aim is to create a cheaper alternative to the Patriot PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement missiles, which currently cost around $5.3 million each.
The Pentagon believes that the new interceptor will help improve the cost-effectiveness of interception, particularly against cheaper targets such as drones and cruise missiles. There are also plans to make the new system easier to mass-produce.
Last Friday, the Capability Program Executive for Defensive Fires released a request for information regarding prospective projects for a new low-cost interceptor.
US Army Major General Frank Lozano stated that the Army is conducting a “very aggressive competition” for the development of the Low Cost Interceptor.
“We are seeking as much interest and participation as possible from the entire missile technology industrial base,” Lozano wrote on LinkedIn.
Under the terms of the competition, the US Army has divided the future system into four main components, each of which must cost no more than $250,000. These are the missile itself and the fire control system, the rocket motor, the guidance system and the flight control components.
The new missiles are to be integrated with existing M903 launchers and operate via Northrop Grumman’s Integrated Battle Command System.
US Army documents state that the new interceptor is to be used against drones, cruise missiles, as well as short- and medium-range ballistic missiles.
The need for cheaper missiles has become particularly pressing following the extensive use of the Patriot system during the recent conflict with Iran, as well as due to the heavy strain on US weapons stocks and production chains.
The US Army had previously abandoned the Lower-Tier Future Interceptor programme due to its projected high cost. However, the Pentagon now hopes to develop a new system with a lower production cost and the potential for rapid production scaling.
US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll previously stated that the US side wants an interceptor whose intellectual property rights would belong to the state. This should allow for the involvement of various manufacturers without reliance on a single contractor.
Major General Frank Lozano used a rendering of the FP-7 missile, developed by the Ukrainian company Fire Point, in his post. According to the publication, the company is also working on an air defence version, the FP-7.x. However, there is currently no information regarding the potential involvement of this development in the Patriot programme.
