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SMD 2026

Latest in SMD 2026

Lockheed Martin has unveiled the PAC-3 Adapted Capability Effector (ACE), a lower-cost interceptor for the Patriot surface-to-air missile system. By leveraging the existing PAC-3 fire-control architecture and Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS), the company says the new interceptor will cost less than half as much as the in-production PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) while providing a rapidly fielded, high-volume option for defeating aircraft, cruise missiles, and shorter-range ballistic missile threats.

MIM-104 Patriot

PAC-3 Adapted Capability Effector Is Lockheed’s New Low-Cost Patriot Interceptor

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jul 20, 2026

Ukraine, short on Patriot interceptors, can't down Russian ballistic missiles.

MIM-104 Patriot

Pentagon’s Ability To Supply Ukraine With More Patriot Interceptors Questioned By Congress (Updated)

By Howard Altman

Updated on Jun 17, 2026

The U.S. Space Force has awarded SpaceX a $4.16B deal to help accelerate work on what could be a game-changing space-based air moving-target indicator (AMTI) sensor network.

Orbital Systems

Pentagon’s Plans To Track Aircraft From Orbit Accelerated With New $4B SpaceX Deal

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on May 29, 2026

It could cost nearly $1.2 trillion to develop, field, and operate a new missile defense shield like the one the Trump administration proposes to establish under its Golden Dome initiative, according to a new estimate.

Anti-Satellite Capabilities

7,800 Interceptors In Space At Core Of $1.2 Trillion Golden Dome Cost Estimate

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on May 13, 2026

Lockheed Martin is aiming to conduct an on-orbit demonstration of at least one space-based anti-missile interceptor design no later than 2028.

U.S. Space Force

Lockheed To Test Golden Dome Space-Based Missile Interceptor In Orbit By 2028

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Oct 21, 2025

Lockheed Martin is among those to have gotten the go-ahead to move forward in a competition to design a second interceptor for the U.S. Army's middle-tier Enduring Shield air defense system.

New Surface-To-Air Missile Enters Army Mid-Tier Air Defense Competition

By Joseph Trevithick, Howard Altman

Posted on Oct 16, 2025