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

At Farnborough 2026, Lockheed Martin unveiled the PAC-3 ACE missile, which costs about half the price of the PAC-3 MSE per unit, while MBDA showcased the low-cost Counter Mass interceptor against drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles.

Quick Overview

• PAC-3 ACE from Lockheed: against cruise missiles and short-range ballistic missiles, at half the price of PAC-3 MSE.
• Method: ‘Reduced’ solid rocket motor with advanced manufacturing technologies and artificial intelligence.
• First test: early 2028; designed to complement MSE, not replace it.
• MBDA Counter Mass: based on ASRAAM, 53 kg, targeting drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles.
• Common trend: global demand for affordable air defense in larger quantities.

Announcement Details

The PAC-3 ACE from Lockheed Martin is designed to intercept cruise missiles and short-range ballistic missiles at about half the unit price compared to the PAC-3 MSE. The cost reduction comes from modified component capabilities, including a ‘reduced’ solid rocket motor, along with advanced manufacturing technologies and artificial intelligence. Tim Cahill, head of the missile and fire control division, stated that it is designed to complement the MSE, not replace it. The first test is expected in early 2028.

MBDA presented the Counter Mass interceptor based on the ASRAAM air-to-air missile, which is ground-launched, weighs 53 kg, and targets drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles. It nearly doubles the altitude ceiling of traditional interceptors to about 4-6 km and can be mounted on a truck, ground vehicle, or unmanned surface vehicle. The first live test is planned within 18 months.

System Context

Both systems respond to a common lesson from recent conflicts: faced with large numbers of drones and cheap missiles, the cost balance of expensive interceptors turns against the defenders. It is not feasible to spend millions on an interceptor for a $20,000 drone, so manufacturers are moving towards cheaper, mass-producible solutions that complement advanced interceptors.

Lockheed stated that it is looking for European partners such as Saab and Thales for radio frequency technology and the seeker in PAC-3 ACE, with the seeker being manufactured abroad. Ukraine’s recent acquisition of a license to produce Patriot locally may facilitate the creation of a mini-system like ACE.

Why It Matters

Affordable multi-layer air defense is closely related to the Turkish Iron Dome concept and local interceptors (HISAR, CİBRA, and SİPER). The idea of not using the most expensive interceptor against every target is a design philosophy that the Turkish industry has also adopted, intersecting with the trend presented by Western manufacturers at Farnborough, creating opportunities for Turkish export products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does PAC-3 ACE replace the MSE system?

No. Lockheed states that ACE is designed to complement MSE, not replace it, at about half the price.

What does MBDA Counter Mass target?

A 53 kg interceptor based on ASRAAM targets drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles up to an altitude of about 4-6 km.

Sources

• Breaking Defense — Details on PAC-3 ACE and MBDA; Farnborough 2026.
• MBDA — Farnborough 2026 — Context of MBDA’s presentation.