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Pentagon Expands Cheap Missile Production Drive
(MENAFN) The US military is moving forward with a large-scale effort to replenish its weapons reserves by purchasing thousands of affordable cruise and hypersonic missiles following multiple high-intensity military engagements.
Under the plan, the Pentagon intends to secure more than 10,000 low-cost cruise missiles as well as up to 12,000 lower-priced hypersonic systems. The initiative is expected to depend heavily on newer defense technology companies instead of long-established military contractors, whose advanced weapons programs are frequently criticized for high costs and slow manufacturing timelines.
According to reports, the Department of War announced Wednesday that agreements had been reached with Anduril Industries, CoAspire, Leidos, and Zone 5 Technologies to begin the Low-Cost Containerized Missles [sic] (LCCM) program.
Officials did not provide a detailed explanation of what was meant by “containerized” missile systems. However, promotional material released by Anduril appeared to show a missile launched from a unit resembling a standard shipping container. Such a setup could allow the weapons to be discreetly transported aboard civilian cargo ships and potentially used for surprise attacks.
The Pentagon stated that all four companies are expected to begin delivering test missiles in June. Although these firms are relatively recent entrants to the defense sector, each has prior experience developing missile technology.
Anduril indicated that it plans to provide its Barracuda-500M cruise missile under the program, with at least 1,000 units expected to be delivered within the next three years.
Meanwhile, Leidos said its contribution would be derived from the AGM-190A Small Cruise Missile platform, though redesigned into a larger version specifically for the LCCM initiative.
CoAspire and Zone 5 had also previously taken part in the US Air Force’s Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) program, introduced in 2024 to support Ukraine’s military operations against Russia.
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