Direct Support Munitions

Direct Support Munitions is a procurement program within the Navy that supports the acquisition of a family of shoulder-launched rockets. These rockets include the Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon (SMAW), AT4 Confined Space (AT4 CS), Lightweight Assault Weapon (LAW), and the highly versatile Carl-Gustaf system. The program aims to provide lightweight weapons optimized to defeat light armored vehicles and other hard targets at close combat ranges. Additionally, it includes training launchers and sub-caliber practice rockets that fully simulate firing. The procurement is managed through Joint Program Executive Office, Armament and Ammunition (JPEO A&A) / Single Manager for Conventional Ammunition (SMCA) contracts, consolidating all service buys into their procurement actions.

The specific objectives of this program are to ensure the availability of these munitions for use by the Navy and Marine Corps in combat situations. This includes providing ammunition for built-up areas, armor penetration, anti-personnel capabilities, smoke, and illumination. The program also aims to meet training requirements by procuring training launchers and sub-caliber practice rockets that simulate live firing. Additionally, the program seeks to maintain a procurement lead-time of 12-24 months for these munitions. Overall, the goal is to ensure that the Navy and Marine Corps have access to a reliable supply of shoulder-launched rockets for combat and training purposes.