The US Army is seeking an existing low-cost tactical missile capable of engaging targets at ranges of 8 kilometers (5 miles) or more.
The US Army is seeking an existing low-cost tactical missile capable of engaging targets at ranges of 8 kilometers (5 miles) or more, with an initial production requirement of up to 8,000 rounds.
Army Contracting Command issued a sources-sought notice to identify mature missile capabilities similar to the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile and Hellfire. The service is specifically interested in complete missiles, known as All-Up Rounds, that are ready for deployment.
The army seeks a missile with a minimum range of 500 meters (1,640 feet).
Potential targets include light and heavy armored vehicles, command-and-control nodes, air defense radars, counter-unmanned aircraft systems, and small, fast maritime targets.
The missile must operate in all weather and remain effective against advanced countermeasures and in GPS-denied environments. It must also be compatible with manned and unmanned aircraft, ground vehicles, and waterborne platforms using an M299 launcher or equivalent system.
Under the requirement, the missiles would need to be delivered within 24 months of a future contract award. Subsequent annual orders could include another 8,000 missiles, with each batch delivered within 12 months.
Developing US Low-Cost Missiles
Across the services, the US has been exploring lower-cost and next-generation missile options to address a wider range of threats while reducing reliance on a limited number of high-end weapons.
In August, the army sought a next-generation interceptor capable of engaging Group 2 and 3 drones at ranges beyond 16 kilometers (10 miles), while keeping the cost below $150,000 per round.
Earlier, in February, the US Navy began market research for the Advanced Emission Suppression Missile, a long-range anti-radiation weapon designed to target advanced radar systems and other radio-frequency emitters.
