U.S. Air Force Seeks Medium Caliber Air Defense Guns to Protect Bases From Drones and Missiles

The US Air Force has issued a sources-sought notice for a mobile medium-calibre gun system to defend bases against subsonic cruise missiles and Group 1 through Group 5 drones. Desired attributes include modular deployment, deep magazines, integrated sensors, interoperability and a lower engagement cost that preserves scarce missile interceptors. Industry responses are due October 9 and will inform assessments of range, altitude, probability of kill, mobility and ammunition economics. The notice is a market survey rather than a formal solicitation, and it establishes neither a preferred calibre nor a funded acquisition programme.