Lockheed Martin, a leading US defence group, has announced plans to develop a new, more affordable Patriot missile system to counter the growing threat of drones. The company stated that the new system will be less than half the cost of the current flagship interceptor, which costs around $20 million (£16.4 million) per unit. The development of this new system aims to provide a more cost-effective solution for countries looking to enhance their air defence capabilities.
The current Patriot missile system has been in operation since the 1980s and has undergone several upgrades over the years. However, its high cost has been a significant barrier for many countries looking to acquire the system. The new system, on the other hand, is expected to be priced at around $8-10 million (£6.6-8.3 million) per unit, making it more accessible to countries with limited defence budgets.
The development of this new system is part of Lockheed Martin's efforts to modernise its Patriot missile system and make it more affordable for countries. The company has already begun working with several countries to develop this new system, with the first deliveries expected in the coming years.
While the development of this new system is a positive step for countries looking to enhance their air defence capabilities, it also raises concerns about the potential proliferation of drone technology. As more countries acquire drone technology, the risk of them being used for malicious purposes increases.