US Army wants a surface-to-air missile that can destroy small drones

Key Points:

• The U.S. Army is seeking a new surface-to-air missile, called the Next Generation C-sUAS Missile (NGCM), designed to quickly destroy small drones classified as Group 2 and Group 3 UAVs, with an emphasis on extended range and rapid response.
• The missile aims to intercept drones flying up to 8 kilometers high and over 25 kilometers away, using radar seeker guidance, and must be compatible with the existing Coyote C-UAS missile system and various air defense radars.
• The NGCM missile should launch within five seconds of command, fit into current launchers with minimal modification, and be deployable in both fixed-site and mobile configurations on tactical vehicles.
• The Army targets a Technology Readiness Level 7 by the end of fiscal 2027, with 50 missiles ready for operational testing by early 2028, and aims to procure 5,000 missiles at a cost below $150,000 each.
• Despite the missile's relatively low cost compared to traditional air-defense missiles, concerns remain about cost-effectiveness versus inexpensive drones, fueling interest in alternative anti-drone technologies like lasers, which offer lower per-shot costs but face weather-related limitations.