Multi-mission Affordable Capacity Effector

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Multi-mission Affordable Capacity Effector (MACE) is a planned U.S. Navy air-launched anti-ship missile focused on low cost, longer range, and higher lethality. Described as a “miniature cruise missile,” it would be launched from F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and F-35A/C jets to provide safe stand-off distance and keep manned aircraft survivable. MACE is meant to complement the LRASM, already used on Navy F/A-18s and Air Force B-1Bs. The Navy wants to carry four All-up Rounds (AURs) inside the F-35 and also on external pylons. The goal is to produce at least 500 missiles per year, with an initial fielding in fiscal year 2027, and each AUR costing no more than $300,000. Production will use digital engineering, Weapon Open Systems Architecture (WOSA) and export-friendly design to create a modular weapon system that can swap in different seekers and payloads and allow affordable upgrades without slowing production. Analysts note similarities to the Air Force’s Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM).