Lockheed Martin introduces PAC-3 ACE high-performance, low-cost interceptor

Lockheed Martin said the new Patriot missile variant can be produced faster and priced at less than half the cost of its PAC-3 MSE interceptor as inventories tighten.

Summary

Lockheed Martin said its new PAC-3 Adapted Capability Effector, or PAC-3 ACE, is a lower-cost Patriot missile variant designed to reach the battlefield faster as global stockpiles of advanced interceptors come under pressure. The company said the interceptor can be manufactured more quickly and will cost buyers less than half as much as its bestselling PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement version. Recent U.S. Army budget documents show PAC-3 MSE interceptors cost more than $4 million per round.

Terms & Concepts
  • Patriot missile: A surface-to-air missile used in air defense systems to intercept incoming aerial threats.
  • interceptor: A missile designed to destroy incoming threats.
  • PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement: A Patriot interceptor variant that Lockheed Martin identified as its bestselling version.