US Army is hunting for surface-to-air missiles able to take down small drones
US Army plans for thousands of affordable NGCM missiles
by https://www.techradar.com/uk/author/efosa-udinmwen · TechRadarNews By Efosa Udinmwen Published 8 August 2026 3 min read
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- Army seeks NGCM missile capable of defeating larger drone threats faster
- New missile programme builds on proven Coyote counter-drone launch infrastructure
- Army demands rapid launch capability with extended interception range against drones
The US Army has launched a search for a new surface-to-air missile called the Next Generation C-sUAS Missile (NGCM), designed to destroy small drones while extending the range of existing counter-unmanned aircraft systems.
According to the Army's requirements, the missile should engage Group 2 drones like Boeing's ScanEagle, weighing between 21 and 55 pounds, flying below 3,500 feet at speeds under 250 knots.
It must also defeat larger Group 3 drones like Insitu's RQ-21 Blackjack, weighing less than 1,320 pounds, operating below 18,000 feet while remaining under 250 knots.
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Army seeks faster missile with longer reach
The Army expects the missile to leave its launcher within five seconds after the operator issues a firing command during an engagement.
Initial performance requirements call for intercepting drones at 6 kilometers altitude beyond 16 kilometers, while future objectives extend engagement beyond 25 kilometers at 8 kilometers altitude.
Guidance should rely on a radar seeker, allowing the missile to operate alongside existing air defense networks supporting broader battlefield surveillance.
“The Army is looking for NGCM to be produced and integrated into the existing Coyote Launch System to provide extended range, rapid launch time, and reduced time-to-target over current effectors,” the notice said.
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