WASHINGTON — The Army has issued a request for information seeking a counter-drone missile priced under $150,000 that can defeat Group 2 and Group 3 small unmanned aircraft systems and is compatible with Raytheon’s Coyote launcher, according to the notice.
Counter-drone missile performance goals
Designated the Next Generation C-sUAS Missile, or NGCM, the weapon is expected to fly faster and reach farther than current interceptors designed to counter drones weighing between 21 and 1,320 pounds.
The request states the primary objectives are to field a missile with extended range, rapid launch, and reduced time to target compared with existing effectors. The Army is seeking engagement ranges beyond 16 kilometers at altitudes of at least 6 kilometers, with a preferred threshold of more than 25 kilometers and over 8 kilometers in altitude.
The NGCM should be capable of launching within five seconds from operator initiation, the document adds.
Acquisition timeline and quantities
While similar solicitations have appeared under the service’s low-cost interceptor effort, this is the first time the Army has set a price ceiling at this level. The notice indicates a planned purchase of at least 5,000 missiles, with 50 systems expected to be available for operational assessments by the first quarter of fiscal 2028.
The Army expects the missiles to achieve technology readiness level seven following an initial developmental test series concluding in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2027, supporting immediate deployment.
Integration and system compatibility
The NGCM must integrate with Raytheon’s Coyote Launcher with minimal or no modifications. It must also be radar-agnostic with Patriot, AN/TPQ-53, and Sentinel A3 and A4 systems.
The Army anticipates two variants. A fixed-site version would incorporate electronic warfare, radar, electro-optical and infrared sensors, along with kinetic options.
A mobile version would mount on tactical vehicles, provide scalable capability at the tactical edge, and share the same baselines as the fixed-site configuration.
Program context and next steps for Next Generation C-sUAS Missile
Responses to the request are due August 20. The solicitation follows the launch earlier this summer of the Army’s low-cost interceptor program, which aims to reduce reliance on multimillion-dollar systems against inexpensive aerial threats, particularly low-cost drones.
A white paper released last month sought industry inputs on rocket motors, seekers, fire control and guidance, and a weapons system integrator to design an open systems architecture, as well as proposals for an all-up round.
In May, Army leadership said the goal for each interceptor in the low-cost interceptor program is under $250,000, and a June briefing slide indicated a target of under $1 million for all-up rounds.
An Army spokesperson said the NGCM is a separately defined initiative from the low-cost interceptor program.
Editor’s note: This article reflects an update to include comment from an Army spokesperson on August 5, 2026. For more discussion of emerging weapon concepts, see Pentagon GBAM challenge seeks cheap long-range strike arms.