The US Army is looking for industry partners to develop a low-cost missile capable of intercepting small drones at significantly greater distances. The planned Next Generation Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft System Missile must defeat Group 2 and Group 3 UAVs while costing less than $150,000 per round. The Army wants the system to engage targets beyond 16 kilometers and reach an objective range of more than 25 kilometers at higher operating altitudes. Rapid response is another key requirement, with the missile expected to launch within five seconds after receiving an operator command. It must also be compatible with the existing Coyote launcher without major modifications. The program anticipates a procurement of at least 5,000 interceptors, highlighting the need for a sustainable cost structure. Development targets include achieving Technology Readiness Level 7 by the fourth quarter of fiscal 2027 and providing 50 missiles for operational evaluation by early fiscal 2028. The effort reflects the Pentagon’s growing emphasis on affordable air defenses as inexpensive drones increasingly challenge traditional high-cost missile interceptors.
