U.S. Army Develops New Surface-to-Air Missile for Small Drone Defense
The U.S. Army is advancing the Next Generation C-sUAS Missile project, focusing on a new surface-to-air missile to counter small drones. The initiative aims to enhance capabilities against Group 2 and Group 3 unmanned systems, with proposals due by August 20, 2026.

The U.S. Army's Next Generation C-sUAS Missile (NGCM) project seeks to create a surface-to-air missile targeting small drones, particularly Group 2 and Group 3 UAS. Proposals are expected by August 20, 2026, with initial requirements including interception at altitudes up to 6 kilometers and from ranges exceeding 16 kilometers.
The missile aims for a rapid launch capability of within five seconds and integration with the Coyote C-UAS system. The Army plans to achieve Technology Readiness Level 7 by fiscal 2027 and has set a goal to produce 50 missiles for assessment by early 2028.
The target cost for each missile is under $150,000, significantly lower than alternatives like the Patriot missile. This project reflects a shift towards cost-effective anti-drone solutions amid rising concerns about the affordability of traditional systems.




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