Direct Support Munitions

The Direct Support Munitions program, as outlined in Navy Budget Line Item 1125, is designed to provide the Marine Corps with a range of shoulder-launched rockets and associated ammunition to meet operational, training, and war reserve requirements. The program's primary goal is to ensure that Fleet Marine Forces are equipped with lightweight, versatile, and effective munitions optimized for close combat against light armored vehicles, bunkers, fortifications, and other hard targets.

Procurement actions are managed through the Joint Program Executive Office, Armament and Ammunition (JPEO A&A) and the Single Manager for Conventional Ammunition (SMCA), which consolidate purchases across services to achieve economies of scale and efficient contract management.

Within the Direct Support Munitions line, the AT4 Confined Space Reduced Sensitivity (AT4CS-RS) and M72A8/A10 Fire from Enclosure (FFE) Lightweight Assault Weapon (LAW) rockets are key components. These systems are specifically designed to be fired from enclosures or open battlefields, providing Marines with the ability to engage targets from protected positions. The AT4CS-RS offers enhanced safety in confined spaces, while the LAW variants deliver high-explosive anti-armor and anti-structure capabilities. The procurement of these munitions supports both operational use and training, with sub-caliber practice rockets and training launchers included to simulate live fire conditions.

The budget also covers the Carl-Gustaf family of ammunition, which supports a multi-role, shoulder-fired weapon system. Ammunition types for the Carl-Gustaf system include armor penetration, anti-personnel, smoke, illumination, and specialized rounds for built-up areas. This versatility allows Marine units to adapt to a wide variety of combat scenarios. Specific DODICs are procured to meet both war reserve material requirements and ongoing training needs.

The Direct Support Munitions baseline appropriation request for FY 2026 reflects a decrease from FY 2025 due to adjustments in required quantities for certain DODICs. The reduction is based on Total Munitions Requirements (TMR) and reflects lower procurement for items such as 7.62mm Tracer, 20mm Trainer, AT4CS-RS, Illumination, and Anti-Structure LAW. Conversely, increases are realized in DODICs supporting war reserve and training, such as those for smoke, training practice, armor penetration, multi-target, anti-structure, and high-explosive dual purpose rounds, to ensure readiness and sustainment of Marine Corps operational capabilities.

Each munition type has specific procurement objectives. The HB25 and HB26 LAW rockets are sourced from NAMMO Talley Defense Systems in Mesa, AZ, with production lead times ranging from 24 to 48 months. The AT4CS-RS and Carl-Gustaf rounds are procured from SAAB Dynamics AB in Sweden, with similar lead times and production rates tailored to annual requirements. These contracts are structured as Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) awards managed by Picatinny Arsenal, NJ, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness to changing operational needs.

Training and simulation are integral to the program's objectives. The inclusion of sub-caliber practice rockets, training launchers, and adapter cartridges ensures that Marines can maintain proficiency with these weapon systems without expending operational rounds. This approach supports cost-effective training while preserving war reserve stocks for actual combat operations.