Pentagon Awards Contracts for Low-Cost Cruise Missiles to Support Army and Air Force

The Pentagon announced long-term agreements with four defense companies—Anduril, CoAspire, Leidos, and Zone 5—to develop and produce large quantities of low-cost cruise missiles under the Low-Cost Containerized Missile (LCCM) program. Initially focused on ground-launched systems for the Army, the initiative aligns with the Air Force’s Family of Affordable Mass Munitions (FAMM) strategy to acquire affordable, mass-producible weapons. The program aims to procure over 10,000 missiles starting in 2027, addressing concerns about munitions stockpiles and production bottlenecks highlighted by recent conflicts. Officials emphasized shifting away from traditional prime contractors to accelerate testing and expand the industrial base. This effort complements the Air Force's push for cheaper alternatives to expensive precision weapons, crucial for potential high-intensity scenarios involving tens of thousands of targets. The selected companies will leverage existing missile technologies, such as Leidos’ Black Arrow and Anduril’s Barracuda, to meet rapid production goals. While specific contract values were not disclosed, the move signals a strategic pivot toward sustainable, high-volume munitions manufacturing to ensure readiness against near-peer adversaries like China.