capital · May 16, 2026
Pentagon Announces Low-Cost Containerized Missile Program with Zone 5 Rusty Dagger on May 13, 2026
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The Pentagon announced the Low-Cost Containerized Missile program on May 13, 2026, awarding contracts to four new entrant companies including Zone 5 Technologies for the Rusty Dagger missile. The program targets procurement of more than 10,000 missiles over three years starting in 2027 for the U.S. Army with adaptability for air, ground, and maritime launches. Zone 5's Rusty Dagger underwent testing on an F-16 at Eglin Air Force Base in April 2026. Leidos will produce 3,000 munitions using Black Arrow technology, Anduril will deliver 3,000 Barracuda-500 units, and CoAspire's GHOST is slated for 2026 test flights. The effort aligns with the Air Force's Family of Affordable Mass Munitions program seeking over $12 billion in funding over five years.