US Air Force seeking air defense missile system to protect air bases

Key Points:

• The U.S. Air Force has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to find a Ground-Based Launcher air defense missile system capable of protecting installations against cruise missiles and drones of various sizes, with responses due by August 6.
• The desired system must intercept threats ranging from small Group 1 drones (under 21 pounds) to large Group 5 UAVs (over 1,320 pounds), effectively countering everything from kamikaze drones to Global Hawk-sized aircraft.
• The initiative is driven by recent attacks on U.S. and allied bases in the Middle East by Iranian drones and missiles, which have caused significant damage to key assets including AWACS and tankers.
• The Air Force is seeking a highly capable, self-contained, and transportable system featuring laser fire control, integrated sensing, rapid command and control integration, and ample ammunition capacity.
• This effort reflects ongoing concerns about the Air Force's current reliance on the Army for airfield defense and aims to enhance expeditionary base protection with more sophisticated, dedicated air defense capabilities.