Farnborough 2026: Lockheed Martin unveils PAC-3 ACE low-cost interceptor
A computer-generated image of Lockheed Martin's PAC-3 ACE interceptor, unveiled at Farnborough 2026. (Lockheed Martin)
Lockheed Martin unveiled its Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Adapted Capability Effector (PAC-3 ACE), for the Patriot air defence system, at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, held from 20-24 July.
The company said in a 20 July press release that the cost per unit of a PAC-3 ACE is less than half that of a PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptor. It added that the PAC-3 ACE builds on the technology for MSE, and would continue to use the PAC-3 software inside the MSE. PAC-3 ACE is designed to counter airbreathing and cruise missiles, and close-range and short-range ballistic missiles, it said.
Lockheed Martin said it would collaborate with US and European companies to speed production. The PAC-3 ACE will work with Raytheon's PAC-3 fire control system and Northrop Grumman's Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS), allowing use of the new interceptor across Patriot networks, the company added.
For more, please see: Fire Point CEO details Freyja anti-ballistic missile project
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