Lockheed to make cheaper Patriot interceptors as air defense demand soars

Lockheed unveiled a cheaper Patriot interceptor (PAC-3 ACE) costing less than half of the PAC-3 MSE (MSE ~ $4M each) with initial production possible within ~36 months.
The push reflects booming European demand for air defenses after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and strain on interceptor supplies.
Established defense firms are racing to cut costs and speed delivery as Silicon Valley–backed startups promise cheaper, mass-produced weapons.