Lockheed presents a cheaper Patriot and MBDA a low-cost interceptor at Farnborough.

At Farnborough 2026, Lockheed Martin presented the PAC-3 ACE (Adapted Capability Effector), which costs about half per unit compared to the PAC-3 MSE, while MBDA showcased a low-cost Counter Mass interceptor against drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles.

Patriot air defense battery (representative image)

At a glance

Lockheed PAC-3 ACE: against cruise and short-range ballistic missiles, at half the price of the PAC-3 MSE.
How: a ‘reduced’ solid rocket motor plus advanced manufacturing and AI.
First test: early 2028; designed to complement, not replace, the MSE.
MBDA Counter Mass: based on ASRAAM, 53 kg, against drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles.
Common trend: growing global demand for affordable air defense in larger quantities.

Announcement details

The Lockheed Martin PAC-3 ACE is designed to defeat cruise and short-range ballistic missiles at about half the unit price of the PAC-3 MSE. The cost reduction comes from modified component capabilities, including a ‘reduced’ solid rocket motor, plus advanced manufacturing techniques and AI. Lockheed’s missiles and fire control president, Tim Cahill, stated that it is designed to complement, not replace, the MSE. A first test is expected in early 2028.

MBDA showcased its Counter Mass interceptor. Based on the short-range air-to-air ASRAAM missile launched from the ground, it weighs 53 kg and is designed to defeat drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles. It nearly doubles the altitude ceiling of traditional counter-drone effectors, reaching about 4-6 km, and can be mounted on trucks or integrated into unmanned ground or surface vehicles. A live-fire test is planned in 18 months.

System context

Both systems respond to a shared lesson from recent conflicts: in the face of large volumes of drones and cheap missiles, the cost balance of expensive interceptors turns against the defender. A defense cannot afford to use a multi-million dollar interceptor against a $20,000 drone, so manufacturers are seeking cheaper, mass-producible options to complement high-end interceptors.

Lockheed stated it will seek European partners like Saab and Diehl for the PAC-3 ACE’s radio frequency and seeker technology, with seeker production overseas. The recent license for Ukraine to produce Patriots locally could facilitate the establishment of a reduced system like ACE.

Why it matters

Affordable and layered air defense is directly relevant to the Turkish Steel Dome concept and its national interceptors (HISAR-A/O, SIPER, SUNGUR). The idea of not using the most expensive interceptor against every target is a design philosophy that the Turkish industry has also adopted, aligning with the trend that Western manufacturers showcased at Farnborough, creating opportunities for Turkish export products.