Overview
- Lockheed introduced the PAC-3 ACE this week at the Farnborough airshow as a deliberately simplified, lower-cost variant of the PAC-3 Patriot interceptor.
- Company officials say ACE reuses PAC-3 algorithms and is compatible with current Patriot launchers and the Integrated Battle Command System to speed integration and reduce retrofit costs.
- Lockheed says the new design will cut major costs by scaling back some rocket-motor thrust and seeker complexity and by relying on kinetic hit-to-kill intercepts rather than explosive warheads.
- The firm projects flight tests within 18–24 months and initial production in roughly 36 months with U.S. and European supplier partnerships, but no firm price or government contract has been published.
- Lockheed positions ACE to increase magazine depth and lower the cost-per-kill against short-range ballistic missiles and many drones so higher-end PAC-3 MSE rounds can be conserved for the most advanced threats.