The US Air Force is inviting defense companies to help shape a next-generation air-launched weapon capable of striking targets more than 1,000 nautical miles (1,150 miles/1,852 kilometers) away.
The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Armament Directorate will host a classified Industry Day on August 25 and 26 at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida to brief potential vendors on the proposed Air Force Long-Range Weapon (AFLRW) program and gather industry feedback before the acquisition moves forward.
According to the announcement, the future weapon is intended to expand the US’ ability to strike priority air, land, and sea targets from long distances while supporting future Department of Defense priorities. The air-to-air version will also receive priority for initial operational capability.
The US is seeking both traditional and nontraditional defense companies that can deliver complete missile systems, as well as those that can serve as weapon system integrators by combining government-developed and third-party subsystems into a single missile.
US Expands Long-Range Capabilities
The AFLRW effort joins several major US programs focused on extending the military’s long-range capabilities across multiple domains.
In May, the US Air Force Special Operations Command integrated the GBU-39B Small Diameter Bomb onto MQ-9 Reaper drones, adding a precision long-range strike capability for contested environments.
In March, AeroVironment secured a $117-million contract to supply its P550 long-range reconnaissance drones to the US Army.
The same month, the US Navy selected Palladyne AI subsidiary GuideTech to develop a low-cost, long-range missile designed to deliver near-hypersonic strike capability while reducing procurement costs.
