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Lockheed Martin plans to unveil ‘affordable' $150,000 cruise missile
LMTLockheed Martin(LMT) New York Post·2025-03-03 22:11

Core Viewpoint - Lockheed Martin is set to introduce a new "affordable" cruise missile priced at approximately 150,000,witharangeexceeding500miles,aimedataddressingU.S.defenseneedsagainstChineseambitionsinthePacific[1]Group1:ProductOverview−TheCommonMulti−MissionTruck(CMMT)missileconceptisdesignedtocreateafamilyoflow−costmodularweaponsutilizingexistingcomponentsfromLockheedanditspartners[2]−TheCMMTmissileaimstobridgethegapbetweenlower−coststandoffglideweaponsandmoreexpensivecruisemissiles,asstatedbyScottCallaway,DirectorofAffordableMassatLockheedMartin[4]−TheCMMTischaracterizedasasubsonic,low−cost,long−rangecruisemissile,withitsturbineenginesbeinglesscompetitivecomparedtohigher−endmissilesliketheAGM−158JointAir−to−SurfaceStandoffMissile,whichcostsover150,000, with a range exceeding 500 miles, aimed at addressing U.S. defense needs against Chinese ambitions in the Pacific [1] Group 1: Product Overview - The Common Multi-Mission Truck (CMMT) missile concept is designed to create a family of low-cost modular weapons utilizing existing components from Lockheed and its partners [2] - The CMMT missile aims to bridge the gap between lower-cost standoff glide weapons and more expensive cruise missiles, as stated by Scott Callaway, Director of Affordable Mass at Lockheed Martin [4] - The CMMT is characterized as a subsonic, low-cost, long-range cruise missile, with its turbine engines being less competitive compared to higher-end missiles like the AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile, which costs over 1.5 million [5] Group 2: Production and Variants - If the Pentagon opts to purchase the CMMT, Lockheed Martin could potentially produce 2,500 units annually once a production line is established [4] - The CMMT is designed to be modular, allowing for various mission-specific variants, including longer-range versions deployable from aircraft such as the C-17, fighters, and bombers, as well as a maritime strike variant [7] - The basic air vehicle of the CMMT is competitively priced at $150,000 per unit, according to Lockheed Martin [8]