{"id":150359,"date":"2026-07-18T05:34:14","date_gmt":"2026-07-18T00:04:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=150359"},"modified":"2026-07-18T01:38:20","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T20:08:20","slug":"usaf-to-buy-28000-cheap-missiles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/18\/usaf-to-buy-28000-cheap-missiles\/","title":{"rendered":"Largest Air Force in the World to Buy 28,000 Cheap Missiles in Next 5 Years"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

WASHINGTON-<\/strong> The US Air Force<\/a> is significantly expanding its long-range strike capabilities after the Pentagon announced new framework agreements with three defense companies to accelerate the production of affordable air-launched cruise missiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The initiative forms part of the Family of Affordable Mass Missiles (FAMM) program, which aims to procure nearly 28,000 low-cost cruise missiles<\/strong> over the next five years to strengthen operational readiness and ensure sustained combat capability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new agreements represent one of the largest planned procurements of affordable precision-guided weapons in recent years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the program primarily supports military aviation, it also highlights the growing role of aerospace manufacturers in developing scalable, lower-cost munitions that can be integrated across multiple aircraft platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pentagon<\/a> officials say the effort is designed to rapidly expand missile inventories while reducing dependence on expensive legacy weapons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: DefPost |X User<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

USAF to Buy 28,000 Low-Cost Missiles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Department of Defense has signed new framework agreements with Anduril Industries, CoAspire, and Zone 5 under the U.S. Air Force’s<\/a> Family of Affordable Mass Missiles (FAMM) program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The initiative aims to develop multiple families of low-cost cruise missiles that can support a wide range of combat missions while remaining more affordable than traditional stand-off weapons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike conventional procurement programs that rely on a single contractor, FAMM promotes competition among multiple manufacturers to encourage innovation, expand production capacity, and accelerate deliveries as operational demand grows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Air Force plans to field several missile variants, including lugged versions mounted on fighter aircraft and palletized variants deployable from military cargo aircraft. It is also developing an extended-range version capable of striking targets from beyond enemy air defense systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the Pentagon, the agreements are part of a broader acquisition strategy that provides manufacturers with stable production demand while rewarding companies that meet performance and delivery targets with additional procurement opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to a press release from the Pentagon:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The agreements are a direct outcome of several Acquisition Transformation Strategy initiatives, including stabilizing demand signals, procuring industry-driven solutions, and maximizing flexible contracting.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Ababeel | X User<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Industry Partners Drive Production<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Each participating company will contribute a different missile design to the program following successful testing and evaluation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anduril Industries plans to supply variants of its Barracuda-500 cruise missile family, including both aircraft-mounted and pallet-launched versions, TWZ<\/a> reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The company has already completed multiple flight demonstrations and expects additional testing to continue before production expands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zone 5 will provide the AGM-188A Rusty Dagger, a low-cost cruise missile designed for deployment from fighter aircraft. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The missile was originally developed through the Air Force’s Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) initiative and emphasizes affordability without sacrificing operational effectiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, CoAspire will contribute its Rapidly Adaptable Affordable Cruise Missile (RAACM). Company officials say the missile is designed for deployment across multiple aircraft platforms while supporting rapid large-scale production through an extensive U.S.-based supplier network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pentagon noted that additional manufacturers could join the FAMM program in future procurement rounds as new technologies mature, helping maintain competition across the defense industrial base.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The press release further added:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Department was granted 5-year authorization for FAMM in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and is actively seeking congressional approval in the FY27 NDAA and Appropriations Bill for a 7-year multi-year procurement program to provide stability to new entrants.”<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Tabz | X User<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Aviation Impact on Operations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The FAMM initiative marks a major shift in how the U.S. Air Force develops and procures precision strike weapons. Recent conflicts have shown that high-intensity operations can rapidly deplete missile stockpiles, increasing demand for affordable weapons that can be produced at scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead of relying solely on expensive cruise missiles, the Air Force is investing in lower-cost systems that balance affordability, range, and combat effectiveness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This approach enables commanders to sustain long-range strike operations while easing pressure on defense manufacturing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The program also improves operational flexibility by supporting launches from multiple aircraft types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fighter aircraft can carry lugged missile variants on external hardpoints, while cargo aircraft can deploy palletized versions using specialized launch systems, expanding mission options and simplifying logistics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, the Pentagon’s proposed multi-year procurement agreements of up to seven years are expected to encourage industry investment in production capacity and ensure a stable missile supply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By combining competitive contracting with scalable manufacturing, the FAMM program aims to strengthen the Air Force’s long-term precision strike capability and readiness for future operations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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