Army wants to start development of extended-range Stinger in FY-25

In a new request for information released last week, the Army is asking industry for extended range “compatible missile technologies” of the Stinger air defense system in support of the extended-range Counter small unmanned systems (XRC) science and technology program.

The RFI is an initial step prior to the Army beginning development work on the program starting in fiscal year 2025.

The XRC aims to “investigate, design and develop” counter sUAS kinetic missile interceptor capabilities and “component technologies” that have increased range and lethality, and reduce reload time for “fixed site and mobile C-sUAS configurations,” according to the Army.

Through XRC the Army will develop a high-speed, long-range kinetic interceptor capability against Group 3 sUAS operating at higher altitudes with “greater standoff ranges” for multidomain operations, the RFI states. The missile system would also “maintain lethality against traditional [Maneuver Short Range Air Defense] targets.”

The system developed under XRC should also be able to integrate with the existing Stinger Vehicle Universal Launcher (SVUL) and the Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2).

The Army plans to “collaboratively develop component and all-up-round technologies” as well as maintain research teams for the XRC program starting in FY-2025, with a prototype demonstration expected before FY-30.

The RFI, issued Sept. 11, will inform planning of the XRC science and technology effort to “mature missile concepts for potential transition in the mid to far term.”

The service is holding an industry day Sept. 18 at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL, and responses to the RFI are due Oct. 31.