US Military Seeks Affordable Drone Interceptors Amid Missile Shortages: Report

The US military is working to develop a low-cost missile interceptor to protect against small drone attacks. According to a media report, the Pentagon wants each interceptor to cost less than $150,000 when produced in large quantities.

A procurement document said the US plans to purchase at least 5,000 missiles under the cost target. The new interceptor is expected to destroy small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) weighing between 20 and 1,300 pounds from a distance of up to 15 miles.

The system must be able to launch within five seconds and connect with existing anti-drone defense networks. The US military aims to complete initial testing by September 30, 2027, before moving toward rapid deployment.

The search for cheaper air defense systems comes amid reports that US missile supplies have been heavily used during recent military operations. Reports claim the Pentagon has faced shortages in several advanced weapons, including THAAD, Patriot, ATACMS, and Precision Strike Missiles.

The reduction in missile stockpiles has raised concerns about US military readiness and its ability to maintain air defense coverage. Analysts say rebuilding some weapons inventories could take several years due to limited production capacity and slower replacement rates.