US Army seeks $150,000 missile to counter small drones

The U.S. Army has issued a request for information to acquire a Next Generation Counter‑sUAS Missile (NGCM) that can be produced for less than $150,000 each. The service plans to procure at least 5,000 missiles capable of engaging Group 2 and Group 3 small unmanned aerial systems weighing 21 lb to 1,320 lb. Desired performance includes a range beyond 16 km (up to 25 km) and an intercept altitude of 6–8 km, with a launch reaction time of five seconds. The NGCM must integrate with Raytheon’s Coyote launcher with minimal or no modifications and be compatible with existing radar systems such as Patriot, AN/TPQ‑53 and Sentinel. The solicitation, posted on 4 August 2026, sets an industry response deadline of 20 August 2026, with an initial developmental test series slated for Q4 FY 2027 and an operational assessment of 50 missiles by Q1 FY 2028. The effort follows earlier reports that the Army is searching for a cost‑effective surface‑to‑air solution to counter the growing threat of small drones.

Multiple defense outlets, including DefenseScoop and the Washington Examiner, have highlighted the Army’s focus on affordability and rapid‑launch capability as part of a broader initiative to modernize counter‑drone defenses.