WASHINGTON, July 2, 2026 — The U.S. Air Force has launched a new acquisition effort to develop a low-cost, ground-launched supersonic counter-air missile, seeking to significantly reduce the cost of air defense interceptors while increasing production capacity for future conflicts.
On July 1, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) Armament Directorate issued a formal solicitation under the Counter Air Missile Program (CAMP) for the Ground Launched Counter Air Enterprise Test Vehicle (GLCA ETV). The program invites missile manufacturers and launcher system developers to submit prototype designs for a new ground-based interceptor intended to protect military bases and deployed forces.
Unlike traditional air-launched counter-air missiles carried by fighter aircraft, the GLCA ETV is designed for ground launch, allowing the Air Force to position interceptors wherever they are needed without relying on aircraft availability. The approach is intended to provide flexible air defense coverage for forward operating locations and critical military infrastructure.
Focus on Affordable, High-Volume Production
A central objective of the program is affordability. Although the Air Force has not disclosed the missile's planned range, speed, or detailed performance requirements, it previously stated in a November 2025 request for white papers that it is targeting a unit cost of approximately $500,000.
The price goal represents a significant reduction compared with many current air-to-air and surface-to-air interceptors, which often cost several million dollars each. The Air Force's strategy reflects lessons from recent conflicts, including those in Ukraine and the Middle East, where large numbers of expensive interceptor missiles were consumed faster than defense industries could replenish inventories.
By lowering procurement costs, the service aims to acquire larger missile inventories capable of sustaining prolonged operations while reducing overall expenditure.
Modular Design to Speed Development
The solicitation requires the GLCA ETV to use an open, modular architecture supported by digital engineering methods. The Air Force wants a design that can be produced rapidly and upgraded efficiently throughout its service life.
Under the requirements, the missile should:
- Use standardized interfaces that allow sensors, guidance systems, and other subsystems from different suppliers to be integrated easily.
- Incorporate commercial or minimally modified components wherever practical to reduce development costs and production timelines.
- Support rapid technology upgrades as new capabilities become available or as adversaries develop new countermeasures.
The modular approach is intended to shorten development cycles that have traditionally delayed missile programs while simplifying future modernization.
Accelerated Acquisition Process
To speed development, the Air Force is using a Prototype Other Transaction (OT) agreement under 10 U.S.C. §4022, a contracting authority that provides greater flexibility than traditional defense acquisition procedures.
The solicitation establishes an accelerated schedule:
- August 3, 2026: Deadline for written proposals.
- Week of August 10, 2026: In-person oral presentations with selected companies.
This timeline is considerably faster than conventional missile acquisition programs, allowing the Air Force to evaluate industry proposals and begin prototype development more quickly.
Security Requirements for Contractors
Most technical documentation associated with the program is designated as Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
Companies seeking access to the technical data must:
- Be registered with the Defense Logistics Agency's Joint Certification Program (JCP).
- Submit a signed DD Form 2345, authorizing access to export-controlled technical information.
The solicitation also specifies that foreign companies, as well as U.S. firms operating under foreign ownership, control, or influence, are not eligible to participate as either prime contractors or subcontractors.
Path Toward the FAMM Program
If prototype development is successful, the GLCA ETV could transition into a production program known as FAMM-GLCA, becoming part of the Air Force's broader Family of Affordable Mass Missiles (FAMM) initiative.
The FAMM portfolio is overseen by Robert Lyons and is intended to rapidly expand the Air Force's inventory of lower-cost precision weapons.
According to the Air Force's fiscal year 2027 budget request, the service plans to invest more than $12.6 billion to acquire nearly 28,000 FAMM munitions over the next five years. The FY2027 budget alone includes approximately $355 million to procure around 1,000 FAMM missiles.
The broader FAMM portfolio includes multiple deployment options, including palletized variants designed for release from cargo aircraft and lugged versions compatible with conventional fighter and bomber aircraft.
Air Force Chief of Staff Kenneth Wilsbach recently told lawmakers that initial FAMM weapons are expected to enter production later this year.
Companies currently participating in the wider FAMM ecosystem include Anduril Industries, CoAspire, Zone 5 Technologies and Leidos. Engine supplier PBS Aerospace is also receiving funding to mature turbine engine technologies intended for high-rate missile production.
By linking the GLCA ETV prototype effort with the established FAMM acquisition pipeline, the Air Force is creating a pathway for rapid transition from prototype testing to large-scale production if the program meets its technical and operational objectives.
——— End of Article ———
