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

The Koral missile is manufactured by the Luch State Design Bureau. The missile, which is capable of intercepting ballistic targets, was first unveiled at the Arms and Security exhibition in 2021. Since then, its weight has increased by 50%, from 300 kilograms to 450 kilograms. The missile's length has increased from 4.33 meters to 4.8 meters, while its diameter has changed from 230/260 millimeters to 230/300 millimeters.

The newly published specifications for the Koral do not indicate its maximum range or maximum target altitude. However, given the increase in the missile's dimensions, those parameters can also be expected to increase. Earlier specifications indicated a maximum engagement range of up to 30 kilometers and a maximum target altitude of up to 10 kilometers, Defense Express reported.

In addition to changes in its dimensions, the Koral surface-to-air missile no longer features a ring of gas-dynamic lateral control thrusters. This technology allows a missile to maneuver aggressively under high G-forces. It is one of the features typical of surface-to-air missiles capable of kinetic interception of ballistic targets, meaning they destroy a target through a direct hit, eliminating the threat and its warhead while still in the air.

The guidance systems likely remain similar, with an active radar seeker used during the terminal phase of flight, analysts said.

According to Defense Express, the Koral is more comparable to the PAC-2 GEM-T in terms of its ability to counter ballistic missiles. This means it can engage ballistic targets through proximity detonation and fragmentation but lacks the kinetic interception capability of the PAC-3 MSE.

At the same time, the Koral is smaller than the PAC-2 GEM-T, which has a launch weight of about 900 kilograms, including a 90-kilogram warhead. Defense Express said the new PAC-3 ACE may therefore be a closer comparison, as it is expected to cost about half as much due to significant design simplifications.

The U.S. PAC-3 ACE, unveiled in July 2026, will not feature kinetic interception or a ring of gas-dynamic control thrusters but will have an active radar seeker. It is expected to be about 5.2 meters long and up to 300 millimeters in diameter, with a launch weight of about 370 kilograms.