The Department of War reported framework agreements with three industry partners to complete testing of low-cost air-launched cruise missiles.
The deals, announced on July 15, cover defense manufacturers Anduril, CoAspire, and Zone 5 under the Family of Affordable Mass Missiles program. The pacts will validate lugged and palletized variants through a single competition.
Seven-year multi-year contracts will follow successful validation and competitive selection, subject to congressional appropriations. The Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act authorized a five-year program, and the department seeks approval in the fiscal 2027 bill to extend the procurement to seven years.
“The Arsenal of Freedom of the 21st Century requires doing business differently,” said Michael P. Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment. “Today’s announcement showcases the Acquisition Transformation Strategy in action, expanding the defense industrial base, fielding capabilities faster, and attracting private investment to fund innovation and increase manufacturing output.”
The strategy relies on firm-fixed-price contracts with a minimum quantity floor. Production shares will be divided among qualified vendors to sustain multiple lines capable of surging output. Firms that meet or exceed schedules can receive extra orders, while future competitions will remain open to new entrants.
The program first appeared in the Air Force fiscal 2026 budget request. It builds on the earlier Low-Cost Containerized Missiles effort, the ground-launched counterpart, to supply both services with affordable cruise missiles.
The Munitions Acceleration Council, the Economic Defense Unit, and the Air Force are coordinating the work to expand industrial capacity.
Provided by Dallas Express
