Pentagon launches GBAM initiative seeking low-cost long-range strike weapons

Published Jul 27, 06:55 PM UTC

The Pentagon, facing depleted expensive guided munitions due to the Iran war, has launched the Ground-Based Affordable Mass (GBAM) initiative to develop low-cost, long-range strike weapons. The Defense Innovation Unit's GBAM Challenge seeks proposals for autonomously guided weapons costing under $250,000 each, with a flight demonstration required within three months and full-scale production within 18 months. The weapons must have a range of at least 600 nautical miles, a payload of 35-100 pounds, and operate in GPS-denied environments. Winning teams receive $250,000 cash prizes, with top contenders eligible for up to $5 million for operational test quantities. The total budget for the program is up to $250 million. The initiative aims to supplement expensive smart munitions like Tomahawk missiles with affordable, mass-producible alternatives to sustain operational tempo in prolonged conflicts.