Written edition
Lockheed self-funds a hypersonic Patriot at today's missile price
Today's common thread is control: who governs software agents, who certifies AI that keeps changing, and who pays to defend against faster threats.
Money and rules are moving as fast as the technology.
Lockheed funds a hypersonic-capable Patriot interceptor at today's missile price
Lockheed Martin has unveiled a next-generation Patriot interceptor, which it is calling PAC-3 Edge, designed to counter hypersonic threats. Those are missiles that fly far faster than sound and can maneuver mid-flight, which makes them very hard to shoot down. The company says the new missile should cost roughly what its current Patriot interceptor costs, and it is paying for much of the development itself. That matters because the hard part of missile defense is no longer only stopping one threat but affording enough interceptors to stop many. A self-funded bet suggests Lockheed expects governments to buy in volume. The claim rests on a single report so far, and whether the missile performs as promised will matter far more than the announcement.
