According to Leidos, the new cruise missile is intended to strengthen the U.S. military’s ground-launched strike capability while demonstrating the company’s ability to scale defence production rapidly. The company stated that production activities will expand operations and workforce capacity in Huntsville, Alabama, and McEwen, Tennessee.
Leidos said development of the Low-Cost Containerized Munition is funded internally by the company and is based on technologies derived from its AGM-190A Small Cruise Missile programme. The company added that the initiative aligns with the Department of War’s objective of increasing the use of commercially developed technologies.
Tom Bell, chief executive officer of Leidos, said, “We’re answering the Department of War’s call to revolutionize the procurement of critical capabilities at scale, with a focus on speed to operational capability.”
“This agreement reflects the department’s appreciation of Leidos’ defense tech prowess and their trust in our proven history in delivering advanced missile technologies,” Bell added.
Leidos stated that work on the programme began in December and has already resulted in a conceptual design developed in coordination with the Pentagon. According to the company, the design is intended to meet all mission objectives, with full system development and testing expected to lead to production beginning in 2027.
The company said the new missile is approximately twice the size of the AGM-190A and is designed to provide greater mission effectiveness and fuel capacity to extend operational range. According to Leidos, the system incorporates a modular airframe and a common Weapon Open Systems Architecture to support rapid upgrades and mission adaptability.
Leidos also stated that the design uses the company’s existing supply chain and scalable production model. While initially configured as a ground-launched system, the company said the missile’s modular architecture could support future maritime and air-launched variants.
According to Leidos, the company’s decision to fund development and expand manufacturing capability reflects its broader NorthStar 2030 strategy focused on advancing operational military technologies. The company stated that the initiative is intended to accelerate the delivery of operational capabilities to U.S. forces.
Leidos highlighted its broader portfolio of missile and precision strike programmes supporting the U.S. military. In addition to the AGM-190A programme, the company serves as prime contractor for the U.S. Army’s Enduring Shield launcher and contributes to hypersonic strike capabilities through work on the Common Hypersonic Glide Body programme.
The company also stated that it continues to support precision munitions integration, advanced guidance systems and sensor technologies linked to integrated air and missile defence architectures. According to Leidos, these programmes are intended to strengthen the operational effectiveness of future U.S. military capabilities.
