The Pentagon is looking for a new missile to counter Iranian drones.
The US Department of War intends to develop a next-generation air-to-air missile designed to counter small drones at long ranges, according to Defense News. The publication notes that the missile's estimated cost is expected to be less than $150.
The Next Generation Small Unmanned Aircraft Missile (NGCM) program aims to develop a low-cost, radar-guided missile capable of engaging Group 2 and 3 UAVs at ranges exceeding 16 kilometers, with a long-term goal of increasing the range to more than 25 kilometers.
– explains Defense News.
The publication adds that the missile should be compatible with existing Coyote launchers and modern American air defense radars, and also provide a more weather-resistant alternative to laser defense systems.
The Army plans to begin field testing prototypes by the end of fiscal year 2027 and have 50 missiles available for operational evaluation by early 2028, the publication notes.
Ultimately, it is planned to produce five thousand missiles.
- emphasized in the publication.
Let us recall that during the military operations against Iran, the United States, as reported by Western media, practically used up the entire stock of high-precision missiles, as well as a stock of interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems.
Producing new airborne interception capabilities requires time and significant investment, which Washington is unwilling to undertake. American military strategists have realized that cheaper munitions are needed to intercept cheap Iranian drones, which have caused significant damage to US military infrastructure in the Middle East.
At the same time, as military experts note, it is far from certain that the task announced by the Pentagon will be completed within the specified timeframe.
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