L3Harris Secures $60 Million to Develop Ramjet-Powered Counter-Drone Missile for the Army

The U.S. Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center has granted L3Harris Technologies a $60 million, three-year contract to advance a ramjet-powered interceptor under its Xtended Range Counter-sUAS Missile program. The missile will combine propulsion, guidance and seeker technologies to provide a modular, cost-effective solution that can be launched from current platforms. Its air-breathing ramjet engine is expected to offer higher range and fuel efficiency compared with conventional solid-fuel rockets.

The system is designed to defeat small- and medium-sized drones and short-range air-defense targets, addressing the Army’s need for longer-range counter-drone capability. Phase two will involve flight-performance testing to validate the concept. L3Harris executives highlighted the project’s potential to enhance operational flexibility and support the Army’s evolving mission requirements.