ACE missile is not designed for drone combat, but it can intercept Russian Iskander-M ballistic missiles.
ACE missile for Patriot / © Lockheed Martin
American defense firm Lockheed Martin has unveiled a more affordable and smaller missile for the Patriot system, intended for Ukraine to counter Russian ballistic threats.
This is reported by Defense One.
ACE Anti-Ballistic Missile: Capabilities and Targets
According to the president of the Missiles and Fire Control (MFC) division, the Adapted Capability Effector (ACE) missile will utilize the PAC-3 launcher and command and control software but will feature a less costly propulsion system, radar, and “brain.” However, it will also possess reduced power.
The interceptor missile is engineered to engage the types of short-range ballistic missiles that Iran and Russia have employed in recent destructive assaults. Nevertheless, it lacks certain functionalities required to counter the most advanced missile systems.
Tom Karako, Director of the Missile Defense Project at CSIS, emphasized that the US and its allies require alternatives and that not all threats necessitate the highest level of capability.
While the ACE missile is not intended for engaging drones, it is capable of intercepting an “Iskander-M” traveling at 5600 miles per hour. The company states this offers a more economical approach to countering ballistic threats.
ACE Interceptor Production Timeline and European Alternatives
The new interceptor could enter production by 2028, or potentially sooner. Lockheed is offering this missile to some of the 18 countries that already possess compatible PAC-3 launchers.
Ukrainian officials note that the closest European equivalent to the Patriot, the Franco-Italian SAMP/T, is considered less effective.
Ukrainian Production of Patriot Missiles: What is Known
It’s worth recalling that the first Ukrainian-manufactured missile for the Patriot surface-to-air missile system is not expected before 2028. The production process is anticipated to be lengthy due to Ukraine’s complete reliance on imported components for domestic manufacturing.
However, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indicated that Kyiv expects to achieve the technical capability to produce missiles for American air defense systems like the Patriot by the end of 2026.
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