To help replenish and strengthen the U.S. missile arsenal, Leidos is stepping up to the plate.

The company recently held a summit with suppliers with the aim of developing and scaling production of its new Low-Cost Containerized Missile (LCCM) and the combat-proven AGM-190A Havoc Spear missile.

“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 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.”

The agreement with the government calls for Leidos to produce an initial 3,000 LCCM missiles, which are expected to advance the nation’s long-range strike capacity.

It also supports the combat-proven Havoc Spear, with initial deliveries to the Air Force Special Operations Command underway.

“This capability will provide warfighters with the operational flexibility they need for today’s missions, and help them counter emerging threats in the future,” said Leidos Defense Sector President Cindy Gruensfelder. “The Air Force’s designation of the AGM-190A underscores its confidence in Leidos as a provider of proven, affordable stand-off strike solutions.”

Leidos’ LCCM and AGM-190A production work will primarily be in Huntsville with suppliers in 14 states doing work, as well.

“The nationwide Leidos cruise missile supply chain team is putting in place the robust plans and resources that’ll allow us to quickly scale cruise missile production,” said Gruensfelder. “We’re investing in our people, facilities, and supply chain to deliver proven capability to warfighters with a real sense of urgency.”

The first LCCM missiles are expected to be delivered next year for tests and evaluation, with full-rate production anticipated in 2028 and 2029.

Leidos has begun delivering the Havoc Spear to the Air Force Special Operations Command. The company also was awarded a contract this summer from the U.S. Special Operations Command for 45 missiles; the deliveries are expected to begin next fall.

“After a more than 30-year career in D.C., I haven’t seen a prime pull suppliers together like this, at pace, with genuine urgency, and share information the way things were done (recently),” said Ben Nicholson, chief commercial officer for Divergent.

The agreement comes on the heels of a $717 million task order by the Air Force’s Air Combat Command Acquisition Management and Integration Center to support intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations.

Leidos said it has been a prime contractor for this mission since 2019. The new task order extends that partnership at a time when military leaders need accurate, timely information to assess threats and support operations across air, space, cyber and intelligence missions.

“Airmen operate in an environment where decisions often depend on the speed, quality and clarity of intelligence,” said Jason McCarthy, Leidos senior vice president, Airborne & Mission Solutions. “Since 2019, our team has worked alongside Air Combat Command to provide mission-focused ISR support, training and analysis.

“This next phase of work builds on that foundation with the insight and operational expertise needed to help airmen assess threats, prepare for missions and support operations around the world.”