Lockheed Martin unveils air defence interceptor

Lockheed Martin has unveiled the PAC-3 Adapted Capability Effector (ACE), a new air defence interceptor designed to destroy cruise missiles and short-range ballistic missiles at around half the unit cost of the existing PAC-3 MSE.

The system was one of two notable lower-cost interceptor concepts presented on the first day of the Farnborough Airshow. European defence company MBDA also announced a new interceptor designed to counter cruise missiles, helicopters and drones, Breaking Defense reports.

Lockheed Martin’s PAC-3 ACE appears aimed at meeting global demand for Patriot air defence systems while offering a more affordable price point. The lower cost could potentially make the interceptor easier to produce in larger quantities.

MBDA’s new system was displayed in a truck-mounted configuration at the air show. The weapon is an adaptation of the company’s ground-launched Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) and can also be integrated onto unmanned ground vehicles and unmanned surface vessels, according to Luke Webster, MBDA UK’s business development manager for ASRAAM.

MBDA plans to conduct a live-fire test of the 53-kilogram (117-pound) weapon within 18 months, although a location has not yet been selected.

The standard ASRAAM carries a 10-kilogram warhead and has a maximum launch range of 25 kilometres.

The missiles, mounted on Supacat HMT trucks, are used as part of the Gravehawk air defence systems transferred to Ukraine.

By Sabina Mammadli