Pentagon pursues fast-tracked, sub-$250k autonomous long-range strikes

The Pentagon's Defense Innovation Unit launches the Ground-Based Affordable Mass (GBAM) program to develop cheap, autonomously guided ground-launched long-range weapons with a 600 nautical mile range and 35–100 lb payload, aiming for sub-$250,000 flyaway costs and rapid demonstration (60–90 days) with production within 12–18 months; a contest with a $250k prize and up to $5M for top performers is part of the effort, alongside other programs like FAMM-BAR and Low-Cost Containerized Missiles.