The subject was raised 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 US Army’s Capacity Programs (CPE) confirmed last weekend the existence of a “highly competitive” tender for low-cost interceptor missiles (LCI) and their subsystems, as stated by Major General Frank Lozano on LinkedIn.
The US army is looking for a solution to the huge amounts spent on the Iranian and Ukrainian fronts, largely 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 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 more than five times cheaper, with a maximum announced cost of $1 million.
The tender details a target unit price of $250,000 for the four necessary component groups: the complete interception ammunition (AUR), the fire control system, the rocket engine 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 that will help develop various effective and affordable missile interceptor solutions.”
