US Pentagon launches low‑cost missile program and eyes B‑21 bomber fleet expansion

The U.S. Department of Defense announced a programme to acquire more than 10,000 low‑cost cruise missiles over three years, with a goal of 12,000 units in five years. The contracts were awarded to four emerging firms – Anduril, CoAspire, Leidos and Zone 5 – to produce modular missiles that can be launched from land, air or sea platforms. In parallel, the Pentagon is developing a reduced‑price hyper‑velocity missile called Blackbeard with startup Castelion, targeting an order of 500 missiles annually after testing and a total of 12,000 in five years.

Separately, U.S. officials are studying a possible doubling of the stealth B‑21 bomber fleet to counter strengthened air‑defence systems fielded by China and Russia. The proposal is being debated amid budget constraints, but reflects a strategic shift to sustain long‑range strike capability in a potential high‑intensity Pacific conflict.

Both initiatives are driven by concerns that U.S. forces could deplete ammunition stocks quickly in a future confrontation with China, prompting a move toward larger, cheaper arsenals and enhanced bomber capacity.