Lockheed Martin has introduced the PAC-3 Adapted Capability Effector (ACE), a new air and missile defence interceptor designed to offer allied militaries a more affordable alternative to current options.
According to the company, PAC-3 ACE is intended to cost less than half the price of the currently fielded PAC-3 MSE interceptor, which Reuters reports at approximately $4m per missile based on US Army budget documents.
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
PAC-3 ACE will provide rapid deployment capability to US and allied forces and is intended to counter a range of aerial threats including airbreathing targets, cruise missiles, and short- and close-range ballistic missiles, within a single platform.
Lockheed Martin indicated that the system is built upon the existing PAC-3 fire control structure. It fully integrates with the Patriot weapon system as well as the US Army’s Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS), aiming to accelerate development and fielding timelines compared to traditional missile programmes.
Lockheed Martin also plans to work with US and European industry partners and suppliers on the PAC-3 ACE programme in an effort to bolster both supply chain resilience and international interoperability.
The joint development and production effort is expected to deliver a common interceptor across allied nations, strengthening transatlantic defence networks.
Initial production of PAC-3 ACE could begin as early as 2028, according to reporting by Reuters.
Lockheed Martin noted that leveraging the proven PAC-3 software and integration with the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) will support rapid development and deployment for allied customers.
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control president Tim Cahill said: “American and allied warfighters need a solution that is battle-tested and budget-smart, and PAC-3 ACE delivers exactly that by building on the unrivalled performance of the PAC-3 MSE.”
In April this year, the US Government awarded Lockheed Martin a contract valued at $4.7bn to expedite the production of the PAC-3 MSE interceptors.
