Lockheed unveils PAC-3 ACE low-cost Patriot interceptor concept

Lockheed Martin announced the PAC-3 Adapted Capability Effector (ACE), a lower-cost Patriot interceptor intended to integrate with existing PAC-3 fire-control and IBCS architecture. The novelty is a proposed high-volume, cheaper effector (claimed <50% of PAC-3 MSE cost) to preserve magazine depth and reserve PAC-3 MSE for harder targets, potentially trading range/agility/seeker sophistication for affordability and rapid fielding.