3 times cheaper than Patriot? US firm Anduril unveils Steelfin interceptor
Anduril Industries has introduced Steelfin, a modular surface-to-air interceptor missile designed to be a cost-effective alternative to the Patriot PAC-3 MSE. The system aims to address the high cost of defending against drones and cruise missiles by utilizing a two-stage architecture compatible with existing launch infrastructure.
Why it matters
This development addresses the critical economic imbalance in modern warfare where inexpensive drones force the use of prohibitively expensive interceptor missiles.
US defence technology company Anduril Industries has unveiled a new family of surface-to-air interceptor missiles, dubbed Steelfin, designed to offer a cheaper alternative to the Patriot PAC-3 MSE while countering a range of aerial threats, including drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles.According to Defence Express, the Steelfin family features a modular design that allows different configurations to be developed for different missions, potentially reducing manufacturing costs and enabling higher production volumes.Anduril is targeting a price of around one-third that of the PAC-3 MSE, although the cost advantage and operational capabilities have yet to be independently demonstrated.The development of Steelfin comes amid growing concerns over the cost and availability of air-defence interceptors, as militaries face repeated drone and missile attacks.
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