Pentagon launches race to develop low-cost long-range weapons

The US Department of Defense has announced the development of a new generation of low-cost, long-range weapons that can be produced in large quantities to address shortages of expensive precision-guided munitions. The move comes as part of a comprehensive review of US military capabilities following the recent conflict with Iran.

According to the Pentagon, the initiative was launched after the latest war with Iran highlighted the challenges of relying heavily on costly long-range missiles such as Tomahawks. This prompted the department to seek more affordable alternatives that can be manufactured on a larger scale.

Citing Al Arabiya, the Department of Defense has introduced a program called the "Ground-Based Affordable Mass" (GBAM) weapons initiative, setting a price cap of $250,000 per weapon. Prototype models must be ready for testing within 60 to 90 days, with full-scale production expected within 18 months at the latest.

The Pentagon noted that up to $250 million has been allocated by the government to support the program and fund its subsequent phases. While it did not specify whether the new weapon would be a missile or a drone, the department confirmed the project focuses on low-cost, autonomous systems that can be produced in large numbers.