U.S. Special Operations Command conducted market research on the defense industry's capability to develop a long-range, air-launched loitering munition. A request for information (RFI) regarding the Air Loitering Munition was posted on a Friday.

The RFI sought one-way attack drones with a minimum range of 75 nautical miles and a loiter time of at least 40 minutes. These drones must be capable of flying 500 to 3,000 feet above their targets and weigh no more than 95 pounds. U.S. Special Operations Command specified that it wants to launch the Air Loitering Munition at an altitude ranging from 5,000 to 30,000 feet.

The requested Air Loitering Munition is intended to offer extended range and additional capabilities beyond existing stand-off precision guided munitions. The weapons would be launched from fixed-wing aircraft, including the AC-130J Ghostrider. The preferred launch method involves a Common Launch Tube, though consideration is open to other release mechanisms.

U.S. Special Operations Command indicated a desire to perform spiral development for the Air Loitering Munition program. This effort will include a demonstration to evaluate the loitering munitions onboard a Ghostrider gunship or another special operations aircraft. The notice also requested industry to provide cost estimates for orders of 500, 1,000, and 3,000 units. Responses to the request for information were due by July 27.

Why It Matters

U.S. Special Operations Command's market research indicates an interest in advancing air-launched loitering munition technology. The defined performance parameters, including range and loiter time, suggest an aim to enhance capabilities for precision engagements. The plan for spiral development and a demonstration phase indicates an approach to integrate these systems into special operations aircraft like the AC-130J Ghostrider.