US Air Force Eyes Gun-Based Defenses to Shield Overseas Bases

The U.S. Air Force has issued a Request for Information seeking ground-based, medium-caliber gun systems to defend overseas air bases from drones and cruise missiles, part of expanding organic air-defense capabilities previously handled by the Army. The RFI emphasizes rapid deployability, a lightweight modular footprint, and a cost-per-engagement balance, while calling for integrated sensors and analysis across 15 baseline parameters. Proposals are due by Oct. 9. The effort builds on lessons from Iran and Ukraine, references existing SHORAD options like Centurion C-RAM and Sgt. Stout, and notes foreign options such as Rheinmetall’s Skyranger 35. The Air Force is pursuing a mix of kinetic defenses and potential directed-energy weapons, with FY2027 budgets earmarked for ABADS and SUADS to bolster base defense.