Raytheon has secured a $5-billion contract from the US Army to supply its Coyote missile system, a multi-purpose weapon designed for high-speed interception and counter-drone roles. The contract encompasses a comprehensive solution: fixed and mobile launch platforms, an array of both kinetic and non-kinetic interceptor types, and advanced radar technology operating in the Ku band to provide superior targeting and tracking.
The Coyote missile series is renowned for its adaptability, capable of being launched from both land-based and airborne systems, with prospective use on naval vessels as well. Among its variants, the rail-launched interceptor stands out for countering uncrewed aerial systems, utilizing a mix of physical and non-lethal countermeasures. The launched effects (LE) variants maintain these counter-drone functions but extend their capacity into intelligence gathering, electronic warfare, and surgical strikes. The LE SR variant can be recovered post-mission, providing additional tactical options and reduced long-term costs.
Already fielded by the US Army, the Coyote has proven its value, as reflected in a significant January 2024 order for 600 2C interceptors in response to drone threats targeting US personnel in the Middle East. On the international front, a strategic collaboration was formed in April 2025 when Raytheon and the UAE agreed to manufacture Coyote systems locally, expanding the system’s global footprint in the realm of anti-drone defense.
