U.S. Special Operations Command is seeking a long-range, air-launched loitering munition that must interface with SOCOM’s autonomous command-and-control architecture, according to a Request for Information posted to SAM.gov on June 26.
The RFI, issued by SOCOM’s Program Executive Office for Fixed Wing (PEO-FW), calls for an Air Loitering Munition (ALM) with extended range beyond the existing Stand-Off Precision Guided Munition (SOPGM) portfolio. The weapon must fly at least 75 nautical miles from its release point, loiter over a target area for at least 40 minutes at altitudes between 500 and 3,000 feet, and weigh no more than 95 pounds.
The RFI mandates integration with FANTOM Core, SOCOM’s government-owned collaborative mission autonomy platform, via a machine-to-machine (M2M) API or compatible Battle Management System (BMS). The requirement links the ALM directly to SOCOM’s network of autonomous multi-domain systems.
The designated demonstration platform is the AC-130J Ghostrider gunship, the same airframe SOCOM is equipping with the AGM-190A “Havoc Spear,” a small cruise missile unveiled by Air Force Special Operations Command in May 2026.
A Ghostrider carrying both systems would pair the Havoc Spear’s long-range cruise strike capability with the ALM’s loiter-and-attack profile from a single platform.
The RFI prefers Common Launch Tube (CLT) compatibility, which enables most military aircraft to deploy the munition, with a 5.9-inch diameter and 42-inch maximum length. The seeker assembly must be passive with integrated Automatic Target Recognition (ATR). A minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 is required.
For scale, AeroVironment’s Switchblade 600, which SOCOM previously tested as a boat-launched weapon, has a range of more than 55 miles and weighs 33 pounds. AeroVironment’s Red Dragon reaches approximately 250 miles, and Anduril’s ALTIUS family spans 100 to more than 270 miles.
Industry responses are due July 27, with cost estimates requested at quantities of 500, 1,000, and 3,000 units.
