Lockheed Martin says PAC-3 ACE will target lower costs while PAC-3 Edge is designed to intercept hypersonic missile threats
Lockheed Martin described two prospective additions to the Patriot PAC-3 interceptor family, with PAC-3 Adapted Capability Effector targeting a unit cost below half that of the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement. The ACE proposal uses a simplified, single-pulse propulsion approach and a fragmentation warhead, while retaining compatibility ambitions with existing Patriot and Integrated Battle Command System architectures. The separate PAC-3 Edge concept is designed for more demanding manoeuvring threats, including hypersonic missiles, and involves a three-pulse motor developed with Northrop Grumman and upgraded attitude-control technology. Both designs remain development concepts rather than qualified interceptors already in operational service.