Pentagon Launches Low-Cost Missile Program With Anduril, Leidos, Castelion and Other Defense Firms

The Pentagon on Wednesday is expected to announce framework agreements with Anduril, CoAspire, Leidos ($LDOS), and Zone 5 for the new Low-Cost Containerized Munitions program, positioning the Defense Department to potentially acquire more than 10,000 low-cost containerized missiles over three years beginning in 2027. The agreements come as the Pentagon expands munitions procurement amid elevated demand tied to the ongoing Iran conflict and broader defense modernization efforts. Recent corporate lobbying disclosures show Leidos has been actively lobbying on FY2027 defense appropriations and the National Defense Authorization Act.

• The Pentagon will begin purchasing test missiles from all four companies starting in June 2026 during the program’s assessment phase.
• The Army has promoted containerized missile systems as a lower-cost and mobile deployment option using standard shipping containers.
• Defense startup Castelion separately reached an agreement tied to potential purchases of more than 12,000 Blackbeard hypersonic missiles over five years.
• The Pentagon’s FY2027 budget request includes more than $26 billion for multi-year procurement contracts covering critical munitions.

Relevant Companies

• Leidos ($LDOS) - Selected for the Pentagon’s new missile framework agreements and active in defense appropriations lobbying.
• Lockheed Martin ($LMT) - Major missile and munitions contractor that could benefit from expanded Pentagon procurement funding.
• Northrop Grumman ($NOC) - Defense supplier with exposure to missile systems and hypersonic weapons programs.

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. This article may be updated as more details become available.