Pentagon Launches Ground-Based Affordable Mass Challenge for Precision Strike Systems
The Pentagon's Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has announced the Ground-Based Affordable Mass (G-BAM) challenge, seeking long-range precision strike systems that can be demonstrated within three months and ready for production within 12-18 months. The initiative aims to identify systems capable of striking targets over 600 nautical miles away, with each round costing less than $250,000. The challenge emphasizes the need for systems with automatic target recognition, autonomy-enabled guidance, and compatibility with existing command and control systems. Companies are invited to submit white papers, with selected participants receiving $250,000 for a Phase 2 flight demonstration in November. Top performers may receive $5 million for operational test quantities and potential follow-on contracts.