Expeditionary Loitering Munitions

Expeditionary Loitering Munitions (GOALKEEPER) is a Navy initiative aimed at meeting an emergent operational need identified by the Geographic Combatant Commander. The program's primary goal is to rapidly field an All Up Round munition that includes an Autonomous Weapon System (AWS), launcher, and controller. This system will be designed to be expeditionary and deployable by small teams to support operations in various environments. The procurement of long lead time materials and the first lot of full rate production in FY 2024 is intended to support the transition of an ONR Innovative Naval Prototype to an Urgent Capability Acquisition, as well as the completion of operational assessment and initiation of full rate production.

The specific objectives of Program 1776 include the procurement of materials for 900 munitions, including microelectronics but not all up rounds, in FY 2023. In FY 2024, the program aims to procure the first lot of full rate production for Expeditionary Loitering Munitions. This includes acquiring materials and munitions from a contractor in Tucson, AZ through a cost-plus-incentive-fee (CPIF) contract. The program also plans to issue a request for proposal (RFP) and make specifications available for future procurements. These objectives are aligned with the program's goal of rapidly fielding a munition system to meet emergent operational needs identified by combatant commanders.