The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued a requirement for a new ground-launched, long-range strike weapon that could be produced at scale.
The surface-to-surface weapon sought could be a drone, a cruise or ballistic missile, or other technology with a payload of 200 to 300 kilograms (441 to 661 pounds), an MoD prior information notice stated.
For reference, the air-dropped Mark 82 general purpose bomb has a similar payload.
It is being sought under Project Brakestop, which will be opened for industry proposals shortly.
Project Brakestop
The weapon should be launchable from a mobile ground platform, either towed or mounted on it.
Its expected range is over 500 kilometers (310 miles), with a speed of around 600 kilometers (373 miles) per hour.
The weapon should be able to withstand electronic warfare attacks and spoofing and be able to operate in GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System)-denied or degraded environments.
Additional expected features include being operable in harsh physical environments, day and night, with a low multispectral signature.
Scalable Production
The initial expected minimum production rate is 20 units per month, with a capacity to scale it up to meet operational requirements.
Up to five firms could be awarded development contracts with funding of 5 million pounds ($6.7 million).
The MoD intends to rapidly deliver the weapon, with demonstration in the second quarter of 2025 and serial production in the third.
“The target cost per delivery platform must be no higher than 400,000 pounds ($5.35 million), excluding VAT and the launcher system,” the MoD notice further stated.
“This requirement is for technologies that can be packaged and demonstrated rapidly, including firing in a test range. The design should be free from external government trade and usage restrictions. The design must have the ability to be spirally developed, to improve performance characteristics.”