U.S. Air Force seeks $500K counter-air missile

The United States Air Force has issued a request for white papers to support the development of a new Counter-Air Missile Program, known as CAMP, seeking industry input to help shape a future acquisition plan.

The announcement was posted by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Armament Directorate and is described as a planning step rather than a formal contract proposal.

According to the notice, the Government has identified a requirement for “a low-cost counter-air capability” within the Affordable Mass Munitions portfolio. A counter-air missile is a weapon designed to defeat enemy aircraft or drones in flight, denying the opponent use of the air. Such systems can be launched from the ground or the air, and are intended to provide control of airspace by intercepting and destroying airborne threats before they can strike.

The CAMP effort is structured to begin with a ground-launched configuration that could later evolve into an air-to-air missile. The notice states that this call “does not constitute an invitation for bid or a request for proposal” and that all responses are voluntary. “The Government shall not be held liable or incur any debt for the information solicited,” the announcement said, emphasizing that participation does not guarantee future contract consideration.

The Air Force is asking companies to propose designs that prioritize affordability, modularity and quick manufacturability. The intent is to leverage components that already exist at high technical readiness levels, reducing development time. The Government intends for a first flight demonstration to occur within nine months of award if the program proceeds.

The request outlines a phased development model. Phase 1 focuses on prototyping a ground-launched version and delivering a complete technical data package suitable for large-scale production. Later phases would transition the system into a Program of Record and explore a variant that could be launched from aircraft.

The Government stresses modular design aligned with its M-Series Playbook approach. This includes open architecture, interchangeable subsystems and government-owned interface data so that components can be replaced, upgraded or sourced from multiple suppliers.

Affordability is central to the program. The notice identifies a target cost of under $500,000 per missile at production volumes of at least 1,000 units per year. To achieve this, respondents are encouraged to reuse proven parts and consider supply chain strategies that support continuous high-rate manufacturing.

The request also notes that this planning effort does not commit the Government to procurement. Any future contract would be posted separately if the program moves beyond this exploratory phase.

Recent conflicts have shown that air defense and air-to-air engagements often require large quantities of missiles, not just small numbers of high-performance systems. A low-cost, modular counter-air missile that can be produced rapidly would give U.S. and allied forces a way to sustain air control in prolonged or high-intensity operations.

Whether CAMP advances to a full program will depend on industry response, available funding and strategic priorities. But the call for white papers is a clear signal that the Department of War is exploring new approaches to air defense and air superiority in a contested environment.