DoW signs agreements to boost US military strike capacity

The US Department of War (DoW) has awarded new framework agreements to several technology and defence firms as part of efforts to scale up its low-cost containerised munitions and hypersonic missile solutions.

The programme aims to bolster the US military’s strike capability through contracts with Anduril Industries, CoAspire, Leidos, and Zone 5 for the Low-Cost Containerised Munitions (LCCM) initiative, while Castelion will contribute to the scaling of affordable hypersonic missiles.

In a statement on 13 May, the Department stated that these moves intend to strengthen the capacity of the Joint Force by rapidly fielding “effective and affordable” kinetic systems at scale.

Under these agreements, CoAspire’s GHOST missile, a ground-launched, additively manufactured demonstrator derived from the company’s Rapidly Adaptable Affordable Cruise Missile-Extended Range (RAACM-ER), will undergo flight testing this year.

The DoW will procure test missiles from CoAspire, initiating a period of fast-paced competitive trials ahead of a final Military Utility Assessment by service branches.

Anduril’s agreement covers delivery of no fewer than 3,000 surface-launched Barracuda-500M (SLB-500M) cruise missiles across three years.

The contract also includes associated containerised launch systems, with over 60 scheduled for delivery in 2027.

Anduril is expected to deliver a minimum of 1,000 missile rounds annually, beginning the first half of 2027, with the possibility of additional units depending on changing departmental requirements.

Leidos has also received a contract to produce 3,000 LCCMs, with manufacturing to take place at expanded facilities in Huntsville, Alabama, and McEwen, Tennessee.

The missile leverages technology from Leidos’ company-funded AGM-190A Small Cruise Missile (SCM) programme, supporting the Department’s objective of using commercially developed products for military applications.

Zone 5, which develops digitally engineered low-cost missiles, has not released specifics regarding its agreement with the Department.

The agreements for LCCM programme will drive a fast-paced experimentation and assessment campaign that will culminate in a Military Utility Assessment by the sponsoring Service Components.

The DoW plans to acquire around 10,000 munitions within three years, beginning in the 2027 financial year, with fixed unit pricing for production lots through calendar years 2027 to 2029.

The Department also outlined that following successful testing and validation by Castelion, a two-year multi-year contract will provide for the procurement of at least Blackbeard hypersonic strike missiles annually.

Furthermore, the DoW seeks authorisation and appropriations to purchase more than 12,000 Blackbeard missiles over a five-year term, supporting Castelion’s expansion of its self-financed production facilities.

Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffey said: “Today’s announcement is the latest sign that our Acquisition Transformation Strategy is delivering on its promise to rebuild the Arsenal of Freedom.

“We are moving beyond the traditional prime contractors to expand our industrial base, accelerating testing timelines, and sending a clear, long-term demand signal to innovative new entrants.”