Pentagon Partners with Three Companies for Rapid Development of Affordable Cruise Missiles

Washington, July 15: The Pentagon has entered into agreements with three new companies to expedite the testing and approval process for low-cost air-launched cruise missiles. These companies will assist in developing such missiles for the U.S. Air Force.

The agreements involve Anduril, CoAspire, and Joan Five. All three companies will operate under the Family of Affordable Mass Missiles (FAMM) program.

This initiative aims to quickly prepare a complete range of new cruise missiles, assess their capabilities, and increase domestic arms production in the United States.

The Pentagon stated that these agreements are a result of its Acquisition Transformation Strategy. This plan aims to provide clear long-term demand to defense companies, purchase systems developed by these companies, and utilize more flexible contracts.

Michael P. Duffy, Deputy Under Secretary for Acquisition and Sustainment, remarked, “To defend the freedoms of the 21st century, we must change how we operate. Today’s announcement demonstrates that the Acquisition Transformation Strategy is indeed working. It will expand the defense industry, enable rapid development of new capabilities, and encourage private investment, thereby enhancing new technology and production capacity.”

A key aspect of this plan is that companies successful in weapon testing and competitive selection processes may secure contracts lasting up to seven years. However, these agreements will depend on approval from the U.S. Congress and the availability of necessary funding.

Congress has granted a five-year authorization for the FAMM program in the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2026.

The Defense Department is now seeking Congress’s approval for a seven-year procurement program under the fiscal year 2027 defense budget and authorization process.

This long-term program aims to provide stability to new companies, allowing manufacturers to invest in increased production and ensuring a more reliable and regular supply of weapons to the Air Force.

The FAMM program will include two types of missiles: one that can be transported conventionally and another that can be deployed via pallets. Both options will provide the U.S. Air Force with greater flexibility in logistics, handling, and deployment. Both types of missiles will be procured through the same competitive process.

The FAMM program was first introduced in the U.S. Air Force’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2026. It follows the Pentagon’s low-cost containerized missiles program, which focuses on developing low-cost cruise missiles launched from the ground.

Both programs aim to produce a large number of affordable missiles, ensuring that the U.S. can maintain a sufficient arsenal to deter potential adversaries and engage them if necessary.