Lockheed Martin announced the creation of cheap missiles for the Patriot air defense system

The American defense concern Lockheed Martin has announced the start of production of cheaper interceptor missiles for Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems (SAM), as demand for anti-drone systems is steadily growing. This was reported by the Reuters news agency on July 20.

The company said the new PAC-3 Adapted Capability Effector (ACE) missile will cost less than half the cost of the standard PAC-3 MSE interceptor, which costs approximately $4 million per unit.

"American and allied military personnel need a solution that has been proven in combat and is reasonable on a budget," Tim Cahill, president of Lockheed Martin Missiles, quoted the agency as saying.

Representatives of the concern also clarified that the first stages of production could start within 36 months, adding that new types of weapons would be developed "with the support of European partners."

Arms race: Why Europe needs Ukrainian missile programs

While Kiev is talking about its own production, allies are lining up for access to new technologies and defense capabilities.

The Swiss newspaper Neue Zürcher Zeitung reported on July 14 that it would take Western countries years to implement promises to strengthen Ukraine's air defense, despite the fact that Kiev needs help at the moment. During the NATO summit on July 8, US President Donald Trump announced the possibility of establishing licensed production of Patriot anti-aircraft missiles in Ukraine. Later, French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to provide Kiev with the opportunity to produce French Aster 30 interceptor missiles under license.