Similar to U.S. PAC-3 ACE: How Ukraine’s Koral missile could intercept ballistic missiles

Ukraine's Koral surface-to-air missile, showcased at the MSPO 2026 in Poland, shows capabilities comparable to the U.S. PAC-3 ACE interceptor for the Patriot system, according to Defense Express. The Koral missile, produced by the Luch State Design Bureau, was first unveiled at the Arms and Security exhibition in 2021 and has since seen a 50% increase in weight from 300 kilograms to 450 kilograms.

Its length has grown from 4.33 meters to 4.8 meters, and its diameter expanded from 230/260 millimeters to 230/300 millimeters. While the missile's maximum range and altitude are not specified in the new specifications, it is anticipated that these parameters will also increase due to its larger size. The Koral no longer incorporates a ring of gas-dynamic lateral control thrusters, a feature that enables aggressive maneuvering under high G-forces, which is typical for missiles capable of kinetic interception of ballistic targets.

The guidance systems, however, are likely to remain similar, utilizing an active radar seeker during the terminal phase of flight. Analysts suggest that the Koral is more akin to the PAC-2 GEM-T in its ability to counter ballistic missiles, engaging targets through proximity detonation and fragmentation, but it lacks the kinetic interception capability of the PAC-3 MSE.

In contrast, the Koral is smaller than the PAC-2 GEM-T, weighing about 900 kilograms with a 90-kilogram warhead, while the PAC-3 ACE, unveiled in July 2026, is estimated to be 5.2 meters long, up to 300 millimeters in diameter, and weigh around 370 kilograms.