Lockheed Martin has presented the PAC-3 Adapted Capability Effectorknown as PAC-3 ACEa new interceptor Patriot low-cost designed to destroy aircraft, cruise missiles and short-range ballistic missiles for less than half the cost of a PAC-3 MSE. Patriot systems have become one of the most sought-after air defense weapons in the world since the invasion of Ukraine on the part of Russia in 2022 and its proven effectiveness against Russian ballistic missiles. PAC-3 ACE seeks to bridge gap between low-cost drone interceptors and PAC-3 MSE.
While each PAC-3 MSE costs around four million dollarsAccording to Reuters, the ACE should be placed below about two million. To achieve this, Lockheed will reduce the performance of some of the most expensive componentsincluding the solid fuel rocket motor and the search engine responsible for detecting and tracking the target.
The new interceptor will not replace the MSE, but will occupy a lower echelon within the Patriot air defense. Tim Cahillpresident of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, has also clarified that It has not been designed to shoot down drones.
The PAC-3 MSE will continue to be reserved for the most demanding objectives. This interceptor destroys the threat by direct impacta technology known as hit to kill, and has a larger, more powerful dual-pulse solid fuel engine. Its larger control surfaces and other structural modifications increase maneuverability, intercept height and range, nearly doubling that of the original PAC-3.
The US Army declared initial operational capability for the PAC-3 MSE in August 2016so it has been in service for almost a decade. Since then it has become Patriot’s highest-performance interceptor to counter tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft. Lockheed assures that it can also face certain hypersonic threats.
The reduction in ACE benefits will be compensated with faster integration. The new missile will use the PAC-3 fire control system, the already proven software of this family and the connection with the Patriot system and with the Integrated Battle Command Systemthe US Army’s command and control network that connects different radars and interceptors and selects the most appropriate weapon for each threat. Lockheed hopes to shorten development, testing and entry into production in the face of a completely new program.
‘US and allied warfighters need a combat-tested solution and economically smart. The PAC-3 ACE offers just that by leveraging the unparalleled performance of the PAC-3 MSE. As we seek to collaborate with our allies, we can further strengthen our resilience and ensure that our forces can respond quickly to the emerging threats of today and the future,’ Cahill said in a statement.
The company plans to develop and manufacture the interceptor with industrial partners in the United States and Europe. Initial production could begin in 2028although Lockheed has not yet disclosed data such as its range, speed, dimensions or method of destruction. This lack of details prevents us from knowing for now how much performance will be sacrificed compared to the MSE to achieve the announced price reduction.