US Army seeks 8,000 new short-range missiles

The US Army is seeking a new short-range missile, aiming to procure up to 8,000 of them per year. According to a Sources Sought notice reported by Defense News, the service wants a weapon similar to the existing Hellfire and Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM).

Companies must respond by September 15. The Army's notice outlines a demanding production schedule.

The missile must integrate with manned and unmanned platforms across air, ground, and sea. It requires compatibility with the M299 launcher or an equivalent system. The Lockheed Martin M299 launcher is used on helicopters like the Apache, Cobra, and Seahawk, as well as on drones and cargo containers.

Specifications and Targets

The desired missile mirrors the Hellfire's performance. It must have a minimum range of 1,640 feet (500 meters) and a maximum range of 26,246 feet (8,000 meters) or more.

Potential targets listed in the notice are diverse. They include heavy and light armored vehicles, command and control nodes, and air defense artillery radars. The missile is also intended for Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) and small fast attack maritime targets. It must operate in environments with jamming and GPS denial.

Contractors must provide detailed information on seeker sensors, warhead, and propulsion. The Army's notice states, "Interested sources shall submit verifiable evidence demonstrating their capability to produce, test, and deliver the specified quantities within the mandated lead times." Submissions must confirm the use of an active and qualified production line.

Production Timeline and Context

The push for a new missile comes amid broader munitions shortages and production delays, such as those for howitzer shells. The Army appears serious about manufacturers meeting aggressive deadlines.

Companies are expected to have their manufacturing and supplier base established by late 2028. After a contract is awarded, an initial delivery of up to 8,000 missiles is to be completed within two years. This would be followed by annual orders of up to 8,000 missiles per year.

Existing Missile Background

The AGM-114 Hellfire is used by more than 30 nations. Originally a 1970s-era helicopter-launched anti-tank weapon, the current Hellfire II uses semi-active laser guidance. The JAGM, which achieved initial operating capability in 2022, is intended to replace the Hellfire, TOW, and Maverick missiles. It uses a combination of laser and millimeter-wave homing.

Lockheed Martin has produced over 145,000 Hellfire and JAGM missiles. In August 2025, the company secured a $720 million contract for both missiles. Buyers included the U.S. Army and Navy, along with Britain, Canada, Poland, and other NATO nations.

The source for this information is a report by Michael Peck, a correspondent for Defense News.