Low

The issue was brought up in 2024 before being abandoned. The United States is still seeking to acquire new, low-cost interceptor missiles for the Patriot defense system.

The head of the Capacity Program Office (CPE) of the US Army confirmed last week the existence of a “highly competitive tender for low-cost interceptor missiles (LCI) and their subsystems,” according to Major General Frank Lozano on LinkedIn.

The US Army aims to find a solution to the vast amounts spent in Iran or Ukraine due to the Patriot system. The unit price of each PAC-3 MSE interceptor has reached approximately $5.3 million, according to the latest budget proposed by the army for the 2027 fiscal year.

The “Low-Cost Interceptor” (LCI), successor to the “Lower-Tier Future Interceptor” (LTFI) abandoned in 2024, is expected to be over five times cheaper, with a maximum announced cost of $1 million.

The tender specifies a target unit price of $250,000 for the four necessary component groups: the complete interception ammunition (AUR), the fire control system, the rocket motor and seeker, and the flight guidance system.

“Our goal is to generate maximum interest and participation from all stakeholders in the missile technology sector,” explains General Frank Lozano. “This initiative aims to award multiple contracts to develop different solutions for effective and affordable missile interceptors.”