The United States is resuming funding for a program to develop a new interceptor missile for the Patriot air defense system. This work was suspended in 2024, when Joe Biden was president of the United States. This was reported by military observer Colby Badhwar, referring to the budget document of the US Armed Forces for 2026.
According to him, $152 million will be spent on research, development, testing, and evaluation of the new missile. This will be done as part of the Lower Tier Future Interceptor (LTFI) program next year.
The money will be allocated for the Total Effector Rapid Prototyping initiative, which provides for the rapid creation of prototypes of modern systems for intercepting enemy missiles and drones.
The new missile is planned to replace the current MIM-104F MSE model, and is being developed by Lockheed Martin. Raytheon is also expected to join the program.
In addition, the existing PAC-3 missile fleet is being modernized due to the growing demand for specialized interceptor missiles. Lockheed Martin is also integrating these missiles on ships because they are a low-cost alternative to the much more expensive Standard Missile.
It was previously reported that the United States tested an updated version of the Harpoon anti-ship missile.