Under the new RFI, the US government proposes a quick turnaround for any chosen missile design. The timeline would include two six-month design cycles followed by a 12-month follow-on for production.
An evolving battlefield
The call for smaller missiles reflects the evolving nature of modern warfare. Attack drones are ubiquitous in recent conflicts. In May 2024, Ukrainian military officials stated that “drones kill more soldiers on both sides than anything else.”
Meanwhile, an EU Institute for Security Studies report recently claimed that Russia procures 100,000 low-tier drones monthly from multiple sources.
This change has also led to renewed emphasis on air defense training for ground troops. Last month, the US Marine Corps announced it would deploy a new handheld counter-drone system prototype on the battlefield. Alongside this new technology, the Marines are now set to emphasize air defense training.