US Army is hunting for surface-to-air missiles able to take down small drones

The US Army is in pursuit of a new surface-to-air missile, the Next Generation C-sUAS Missile (NGCM), to counter growing drone threats. This missile is intended to eliminate smaller drones (Group 2) weighing 21 to 55 pounds and flying below 3,500 feet at less than 250 knots, as well as larger drones (Group 3) weighing less than 1,320 pounds and operating below 18,000 feet at under 250 knots.

Army officials demand a rapid launch capability with an extended interception range, requiring the missile to leave its launcher within five seconds after an operator issues a firing command. Interception should be possible at 6 kilometers altitude beyond 16 kilometers, with future objectives extending the engagement range beyond 25 kilometers at 8 kilometers altitude.

The Army seeks compatibility with its existing coyote launcher infrastructure and radar systems, aiming for a Technology Readiness Level 7 before fiscal year 2027. Initial procurement plans call for 50 missiles for operational assessment by early 2028, with hopes of ultimately acquiring 5,000 missiles costing under $150,000 each.

This missile is expected to be significantly cheaper than the Patriot interceptor, which costs around $4 million.