Pentagon launches low-cost long-range strike weapon challenge, testing required within 3 months

Published Jul 27, 06:55 PM UTC

The Pentagon, through the Defense Innovation Unit, has launched the Ground-Based Affordable Mass (GBAM) Challenge to develop low-cost, long-range precision strike weapons. Citing the Iran war as exposing the vulnerability of relying on expensive munitions like Tomahawk missiles, the initiative seeks autonomously guided ground-launched weapons costing under $250,000 each. The timeline is aggressive: demonstration within 60-90 days and full-scale production within 12-18 months. The weapon must have a range of at least 600 nautical miles, a payload of 35-100 pounds, and operate in GPS-denied environments. The government has budgeted up to $250 million for the program. Winning teams will receive cash prizes and potential production contracts. The effort aims to supplement expensive smart munitions with affordable, mass-producible alternatives to sustain prolonged conflict.