Army seeks sub-$150,000 missile to neutralize small-drone threats
The U.S. Army issued a request for information on a low-cost missile, under $150,000 each, capable of destroying Group 2 and 3 drones at long range.
The Army has opened a request for information seeking a new missile that can be produced for less than $150,000 each and used to shoot down small unmanned aircraft. The solicitation, posted on a federal contracting site, calls for a system that can defeat Group 2 and Group 3 drones—those ranging from 21 to 1,320 pounds and operating up to roughly 18,000 feet—at ranges exceeding 10 miles, with an ultimate goal of 15-plus miles.
The service intends to purchase a minimum of 5,000 missiles and requires the capability to launch within five seconds of operator command. Development and testing are slated for completion by the fourth quarter of fiscal 2027, with the Army Test and Evaluation Command overseeing the effort. The push reflects broader Pentagon initiatives to replace expensive interceptors with affordable solutions as drone proliferation accelerates. Recent framework agreements with Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin aim to expand production of critical missile components supporting this strategy.
Why it matters
Affordable, rapid-response missiles could protect troops and assets from the growing threat of inexpensive hostile drones.
How the sides frame it
LOW AGREEMENTCenter coverage highlights helicopter-mounted weapons as a cost-effective way to defeat cheap drones, while right-leaning coverage emphasizes the Army’s search for a new sub-$150,000 missile to shoot down small unmanned aircraft.
CENTER
Centrist coverage frames the story around adapting existing helicopter weapons and guns as an economical answer to the drone threat.
RIGHT
Right-leaning coverage frames the story around a Pentagon procurement push for a cheap, dedicated missile to neutralize small drones.
The right emphasises
- the Army seeks a missile that can be produced for less than $150,000 each
- the solicitation calls for a system that can defeat Group 2 and Group 3 drones at ranges beyond 10 miles
- the service plans to buy a minimum of 5,000 missiles and launch within five seconds of command
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