Lockheed showcased a cheaper Patriot, MBDA presented an affordable interceptor at Farnborough.

At Farnborough-2026, Lockheed Martin introduced the PAC-3 ACE (Adapted Capability Effector) missile, priced at about half that of the existing PAC-3 MSE, while MBDA showcased the low-cost Counter Mass interceptor against drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles.

Patriot air defense battery (illustrative image)

In Brief

Lockheed PAC-3 ACE: against short-range cruise and ballistic missiles, half the cost of PAC-3 MSE.
How: ‘choked’ solid rocket motor plus advanced manufacturing and AI.
First test: early 2028; complements rather than replaces MSE.
MBDA Counter Mass: based on ASRAAM, 53 kg, against drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles.
Overall trend: global demand for affordable air defense in large quantities.

Announcement Details

The PAC-3 ACE from Lockheed Martin is designed to target short-range cruise and ballistic missiles at about half the cost per unit compared to the PAC-3 MSE. The cost reduction has been achieved through modified component characteristics, including a ‘choked’ solid rocket motor, as well as advanced manufacturing methods and AI. Tim Cahill, Lockheed’s president for missiles and fire control, stated that the system is intended to complement, not replace, the MSE. The first test is expected in early 2028.

MBDA showcased the Counter Mass interceptor. Based on the ground-launched short-range ASRAAM missile, it weighs 53 kg and is designed to target drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles. It approximately doubles the ceiling of traditional counter-UAS means, reaching about 4-6 km, and can be mounted on a truck or integrated onto unmanned ground and surface platforms. Live fire tests are planned within 18 months.

System Context

Both systems respond to a common lesson from recent conflicts: against large volumes of cheap drones and missiles, the cost balance of expensive interceptors turns against the defender. Defense cannot spend millions of dollars on an interceptor for a $20,000 drone, so manufacturers are looking for cheaper, mass solutions in addition to high-end interceptors.

Lockheed has stated that it will seek European partners, such as Saab and Diehl, for radio frequency technologies and the PAC-3 ACE seeker head, with the production of the seeker planned to take place abroad. Ukraine’s recent license to produce Patriot on its territory may facilitate the creation of a scaled-down system like ACE.

Why This Matters

Affordable layered air defense is directly related to the Turkish concept of the “Steel Dome” and domestic interceptors (HISAR-A/O, SIPER, SUNGUR). The idea of not using the most expensive interceptor for every target is a design philosophy that has also been adopted by the Turkish industry; it aligns with the trend shown by Western manufacturers at Farnborough, creating opportunities for Turkish export products.