Pentagon launches GBAM challenge for long-range strike weapons under $250,000 each

Published Jul 27, 06:55 PM UTC

The Pentagon, through the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), has announced the Ground-Based Affordable Mass (GBAM) Challenge to develop low-cost, long-range precision strike weapons. Citing the Iran war as exposing the problem of relying on expensive missiles like the Tomahawk, the Pentagon seeks weapons costing less than $250,000 each, with a range of at least 600 nautical miles and a payload of 35-100 pounds. The initiative requires demonstration within 60-90 days and full-scale production within 12-18 months. Winning teams will receive a $250,000 cash prize for Phase II flight demonstrations in November 2026, with top contenders eligible for up to $5 million for operational test quantities. The government has budgeted up to $250 million for the program. The weapon must feature autonomous terminal guidance, operate in GPS-denied environments, and require no proprietary launch equipment. The GBAM initiative aims to supplement expensive smart munitions with affordable, scalable long-range effects to sustain operational tempo in prolonged conflicts.