The Marine Corps has selected AeroVironment, Anduril Industries, and Teledyne FLIR as the three companies to compete for an eight-year, $249 million contract to develop new loitering munition systems for dismounted soldiers in infantry rifle squads. The contract aims to provide Marines with precision strike capability beyond their lines of sight by 2027.
The Bottom Line Upfront
This contract will enable Marines to have loitering munitions in some squads, enhancing their ability to quickly respond to hidden targets and improve reaction times. It is part of the Marine Corps' broader effort to deploy these munitions at the squad level.
The Breakdown
The Organic Precision Fires-Light contract has an initial five-year base period and a three-year option period.
Loitering munitions are aerial weapons that fly around an area until they find or are directed to a target, providing faster reaction times against transient targets.
The Corps wants man-packable systems that include munitions, a ground control station, a training simulator, and supporting equipment.
