Pentagon Orders Over 10,000 Containerized Missiles to Replenish Stockpiles
The U.S. Pentagon signed framework agreements with Anduril, CoAspire, Leidos, Zone 5, and Castelion for the Low-Cost Containerized Munitions (LCCM) program, aiming to acquire over 10,000 containerized cruise missiles and up to 12,000 Blackbeard hypersonic missiles. The initiative, driven by high demand from the ongoing war in Iran and concerns over China, seeks to expand the defense industrial base beyond traditional contractors. Deliveries are planned from 2027, with test phases starting in June 2026.
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Massive U.S. Missile Order May Expand American Anti-Ship Arsenal
The Pentagon has ordered over 10,000 Low-Cost Containerized Missiles (LCCM) from five defense contractors, including CoAspire, Anduril, Leidos, and Castelion. The order aims to replenish stocks depleted in Middle East conflicts and reinforce long-range precision strike capabilities crucial for the Indo-Pacific, particularly to counter China's naval forces. The U.S. Navy, under Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle, has expressed interest in containerized missiles for dispersed deployment. Contractors are developing variants optimized for maritime strike, including Anduril's Barracuda-500M and CoAspire's GHOST missile. Deliveries of 3,000 missiles and launching systems are scheduled from 2027 to 2029. Separately, the Navy is procuring up to 500 low-cost Blackbeard hypersonic missiles annually from Castelion, with potential for up to 12,000 over five years, to be deployed from F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and unmanned surface vessels.
Naval NewsUS Pentagon Plans Mass Procurement of Low-Cost Missiles to Replenish Stockpiles
The US Pentagon has announced a major initiative to restore depleted missile stockpiles by purchasing thousands of low-cost, mass-produced weapons. The plan involves acquiring over 10,000 cruise missiles and up to 12,000 hypersonic weapons to address concerns regarding potential confrontation with China. Moving away from traditional defense contractors, the Department of War has signed framework agreements with emerging firms including Anduril, CoAspire, Leidos, and Zone 5 for the Low-Cost Containerized Missiles (LCCM) program. Anduril will supply its Barracuda-500M cruise missile, while Leidos will provide a variant of the AGM-190A. Additionally, a separate deal with startup Castelion aims to procure at least 500 Blackbeard hypersonic missiles, with goals to expand to 12,000 units. This shift reflects frustration with the slow, expensive nature of conventional defense procurement, favoring faster delivery and innovation from venture-backed companies. Test deliveries are expected to begin in June, utilizing systems that can potentially be concealed in commercial shipping containers for discrete deployment.
RT - Daily newsPentagon Signs Framework Agreements for Over 10,000 Containerized Missiles
The Pentagon announced framework agreements with defense firms Anduril, CoAspire, Leidos, and Zone 5 to launch the Low-Cost Containerized Munitions (LCCM) program, potentially acquiring over 10,000 containerized missiles over three years starting in 2027. The assessment phase begins in June 2026 with test missile purchases. Separately, a deal with startup Castelion outlines plans for a two-year contract for at least 500 Blackbeard hypersonic missiles annually, with a goal of over 12,000 over five years. Pentagon officials emphasized this expands the industrial base beyond traditional prime contractors and sends a long-term demand signal to new entrants. The push comes amid high munitions demand due to the ongoing war in Iran, with the Pentagon seeking over $26 billion for critical munitions in fiscal 2027.
C4ISRNetPentagon Signs Framework Agreements for Over 10,000 Containerized Missiles
The Pentagon announced framework agreements with defense firms Anduril, CoAspire, Leidos, and Zone 5 to launch the Low-Cost Containerized Munitions (LCCM) program, potentially acquiring over 10,000 containerized missiles over three years starting in 2027. The assessment phase begins in June 2026 with test missile purchases. Separately, a deal with startup Castelion outlines plans for a two-year contract for at least 500 Blackbeard hypersonic missiles annually, with a goal of over 12,000 over five years. Pentagon officials emphasized this expands the industrial base beyond traditional prime contractors and sends a long-term demand signal to new entrants. The push comes amid high munitions demand due to the ongoing war in Iran, with the Pentagon seeking over $26 billion for critical munitions in fiscal 2027.
C4ISRNetPentagon Signs Framework Agreements for Over 10,000 Containerized Missiles
The Pentagon announced framework agreements with defense firms Anduril, CoAspire, Leidos, and Zone 5 to launch the Low-Cost Containerized Munitions (LCCM) program, potentially acquiring over 10,000 containerized missiles over three years starting in 2027. The assessment phase begins in June 2026 with test missile purchases. Separately, the Pentagon plans a two-year contract with startup Castelion for a minimum of 500 Blackbeard hypersonic missiles annually, with a goal of over 12,000 over five years. Pentagon officials emphasized expanding the industrial base beyond traditional prime contractors and sending a long-term demand signal to new entrants. The push comes amid high munitions demand due to the ongoing war in Iran, with the FY2027 budget requesting over $26 billion for critical munitions procurement.
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