Pentagon signs framework deals with three firms to mass-produce affordable cruise missiles

Published Jul 15, 01:14 PM UTC

The Pentagon announced framework agreements on July 15 with three companies—Anduril, CoAspire, and Zone 5 Technologies—to mass-produce affordable air-to-ground cruise missiles for the U.S. Air Force under the FAMM (Focused Affordable Munitions) program. The deals aim to stabilize demand signals to industry and ramp up production to 8,000 missiles annually. The missiles include Anduril's Barracuda, CoAspire's RAACM, and Zone 5's AGM-188 Rusty Dagger, with ranges of 250 to 500 miles for fighter and airlift aircraft. The Air Force plans to acquire 28,000 FAMM missiles over five years at a cost of $12.6 billion, with procurement starting at $355 million for 1,000 missiles in 2027. The program also includes a longer-range variant, FAMM-Beyond Adversary Reach, capable of flying over 1,200 miles to hit slow-moving ships. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to expand the defense industrial base and field cheaper firepower for future conflicts.