The United States wants a new missile to combat "Shaheds," but its main problem could be the cost
Kyiv • UNN
The U.S. Army has launched the NGCM project to develop a new surface-to-air missile to combat Shahed-type drones. The missile's cost could make its use economically unviable.
The U.S. Army has begun searching for a new anti-aircraft missile to combat unmanned aerial vehicles, including Shahed-type drones, but its use may prove economically unviable. Defense Express reports this, according to UNN.
Details
This concerns the Next Generation C-sUAS Missile (NGCM) project, under which the military wants to obtain a new-generation missile with an increased range. Field tests of the prototypes are planned by the end of fiscal year 2027, while the first 50 missiles are to be produced for operational evaluation in early 2028.
According to Defense News, the new missile is to be compatible with existing Coyote launchers and radars, and will also be produced in stationary and mobile variants.
The missile will have good capabilities, but may be too expensive
As Defense Express notes, the NGCM is intended to intercept second- and third-class unmanned aerial vehicles under the U.S. classification, including Shaheds. Its range is expected to exceed 16 km, with the prospect of increasing it to more than 25 km, while its interception altitude will be between 6 and 8 km. The missile will be equipped with a radar homing seeker.
At the same time, the project's main drawback may be its cost. The U.S. Army expects to purchase such missiles for less than $150,000 per unit. Defense Express emphasizes that if the price is around $100,000, using such a missile to destroy significantly cheaper attack drones would be economically inefficient. The publication also notes that the United States is simultaneously developing a successor to the Stinger missile, which is likewise positioned as a more cost-effective solution for air defense.