Leidos to build new cruise missile, increase workforce in Huntsville
Continuing its legacy of advanced missile technology, Leidos will deliver a new cruise missile for the nation’s “Arsenal of Freedom” initiative.
The project will also bring an expansion to the company’s workforce and facilities in Cummings Research Park. The missile is expected to go into production next year.
According to a news release, Leidos will produce an initial order of 3,000 Low-Cost Containerized Munitions through a framework agreement with the Department of Defense.
The new cruise missile is expected to significantly enhance the country’s ground-launched combat capability, demonstrating Leidos’ ability to rapidly scale defense production and deliver decisive capabilities to the U.S. military, the company said.
“We’re answering the Department of War’s call to revolutionize the procurement of critical capabilities at scale, with a focus on speed to operational capability,” said Leidos CEO Tom Bell. “This agreement reflects the department’s appreciation of Leidos’ defense tech prowess and their trust in our proven history in delivering advanced missile technologies.”
Leidos said it will increase its workforce and enhance its facilities in Huntsville to produce the missile.
Consistent with the DoD’s desire to utilize commercial products, Leidos is self-funding the LCCM, leveraging the technologies in its Small Cruise Missile program.
Leidos said it started LCCM work in December, reaching a conceptual design with the Pentagon that is capable of achieving all mission objectives. Full system design, development and test will result in production in 2027.
At approximately twice the size of the AGM-190A, the LCCM offers increased mission effectiveness and fuel capacity to maximize range, the company said.
Building on the Leidos Small Cruise Missile’s heritage, the LCCM leverages key design features including a modular airframe and a common Weapon Open Systems Architecture (WOSA) to enable rapid integration, upgrades and mission adaptability.
The design also utilizes Leidos’ established supply chain and scalable production approach.
While initially ground-launched, LCCM’s modular design could also support maritime platform integration and air-launched variants.
Leidos said its decision to fund development and expand its production capabilities reflects a commitment to advancing operational capabilities through its NorthStar 2030 strategy.
In addition to the AGM-190A, Leidos is the prime contractor for the Army’s Enduring Shield (Indirect Fire Protection Capability) launcher and supports next-generation hypersonic strike capabilities through its work on the Common Hypersonic Glide Body.
The company also delivers precision munitions integration and advanced guidance and sensor technologies that strengthen integrated air and missile defense architectures.
