The request calls for “innovative approaches to rapidly demonstrate very low cost (>$750K per missile), modular interceptor designs to counter ballistic and hypersonic threats.” According to the agency, the project will focus on concept demonstration using “readily available components and technologies within a very compressed schedule.”
MDA stated the goal is to rebalance the offence–defence cost disparity by creating interceptors cheap enough to counter large-scale barrages of ballistic, cruise and hypersonic weapons. A virtual information session will take place in the week of 15 September, with white papers due by 29 September 2025.
The initiative is structured in two phases, beginning with a six-month preliminary period followed by 12 months of prototyping and testing. The agency underlined that the effort is intended for rapid integration rather than long-term technology development.
“Concepts in response to this solicitation should be modular in design with open architectures, such as Weapon Open System Architectures (WOSA),” the announcement stated. Proposals must allow for substitution or upgrades of sensors, guidance, warheads or boosters from multiple vendors.
MDA emphasised its preference for designs that integrate commercial or government off-the-shelf components, previously developed subsystems and low-cost manufacturing practices. The agency said such approaches could compress development schedules and lower costs while retaining effectiveness against advanced threats.
Minimum capability requirements include endo-atmospheric engagements against ballistic and hypersonic targets, speeds exceeding Mach 5, ranges of over 200 kilometres and a blast-fragmentation warhead guided by a terminal seeker. Interceptors must allow in-flight targeting updates, be manoeuvrable enough to hit hypersonic glide vehicles, and fit into the U.S. Army’s Patriot M903 launcher or quad-pack into a Vertical Launch System.
Options for containerised launchers are also being considered, provided they meet the same open interface standards. Control interfaces must remain compatible with legacy launch and mission systems to ensure integration without overhauling existing command-and-control infrastructure.
The solicitation specifies that performance trade-offs will be accepted if they enable reductions in cost and schedule. Offerors are encouraged to prioritise “reduced cost and schedule,” while using legacy components “to maximize warfighter utility and meet minimum capability goals.”
MDA described the Low-Cost Interceptor (LCI) as a supplement to legacy missile defence systems rather than a replacement. The agency said the initiative is designed to provide more affordable options to counter swarms of supersonic cruise missiles, short- and medium-range ballistic missiles, and hypersonic glide vehicles.
