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Lockheed Unveils Lower-Cost PAC-3 ACE Patriot Interceptor

8/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Lockheed Martin unveiled the PAC-3 ACE interceptor as a lower-cost Patriot air-defense option.
The ACE costs under half of a PAC-3 MSE interceptor.
It replaces the kinetic hit-to-kill method with a conventional blast-fragmentation warhead and reduced range.
Lockheed lowered cost by switching to a single-pulse motor and eliminating attitude control motors.
The ACE’s first flight is scheduled for early 2028, with production planned for mid-2029.

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Story summary

Lockheed Martin unveiled the PAC-3 ACE interceptor as a lower-cost Patriot air-defense option.
The ACE costs under half of a PAC-3 MSE interceptor.
It replaces the kinetic hit-to-kill method with a conventional blast-fragmentation warhead and reduced range.
Lockheed lowered cost by switching to a single-pulse motor and eliminating attitude control motors.
The ACE’s first flight is scheduled for early 2028, with production planned for mid-2029.