Leidos is coordinating a network of suppliers across 14 US states to prepare for large-scale production of its Low-Cost Containerized Missile (LCCM) and AGM-190A Havoc Spear, supporting the Pentagon’s push to expand long-range strike capabilities. The company convened missile-component manufacturers at its headquarters to align production capacity, requirements, schedules and delivery plans for both weapons. The effort follows a May 13 framework agreement with the Department of Defense covering an initial 3,000 LCCM missiles, while initial Havoc Spear deliveries to Air Force Special Operations Command are already underway. Production will be centred in Huntsville, Alabama, and McEwen, Tennessee. Leidos expects to deliver the first LCCM missiles in 2027 for testing and evaluation, with full-rate manufacturing planned for 2028 and 2029. The programme forms part of a wider US effort to increase cruise missile output. Raytheon secured a seven-year, $22.9-billion contract in August to accelerate Tomahawk production for the Navy, with framework agreements targeting annual output of more than 1,000 missiles. Meanwhile, the Air Force has outlined plans to acquire up to 16,450 JASSM and LRASM weapons over the next several years, both manufactured by Lockheed Martin. In July, the Pentagon also signed framework agreements with Anduril, CoAspire and Zone 5 Technologies to develop lower-cost air-launched cruise missiles through its Family of Affordable Mass Missiles initiative.
