Lockheed Official Says New PAC-3 ACE ‘Could Be’ Solution For Army’s Low-Cost Interceptor

Lockheed Martin says its PAC-3 Adapted Capability Effector could be offered for the US Army's Low-Cost Interceptor effort in a future competition round. The company is outside the initial contest but is discussing PAC-3 ACE with the government and plans flight testing in 2027, with possible operational availability about 30 months after the October briefing. Lockheed describes the missile as launcher-interchangeable with PAC-3 MSE and costing less than half as much, targeting aircraft, cruise missiles and short-range ballistic threats. The Army's stated objective is below $1 million per round, so the manufacturer's relative cost claim alone does not demonstrate compliance or selection.