Miles Jamison 
- The supplier summit took place Sept. 26 at Leidos’ global headquarters
- Leidos’ May 13 agreement with the Department of War covers an initial 3,000 LCCM weapons
- Initial Havoc Spear deliveries to AFSOC are underway
Leidos is preparing to ramp up production of two long-range cruise missile systems through a network of industry suppliers. The Reston, Virginia-based company said Monday it convened missile-component suppliers to coordinate manufacturing capacity and delivery schedules for its Low-Cost Containerized Missile, or LCCM, and AGM-190A Havoc Spear programs.
How Is Leidos Preparing Its Cruise Missile Supply Chain?
The Sept. 26 gathering at Leidos’ Reston headquarters brought together companies supplying components for the two missile programs. Participants discussed the manufacturing requirements and delivery expectations for both weapons.
The supplier coordination effort is tied to the agreement Leidos signed with the Department of War on May 13 for the production of an initial batch of 3,000 LCCM weapons. It also supports the production and delivery of Havoc Spear cruise missiles to Air Force Special Operations Command, or AFSOC.
The War Department also signed agreements with Anduril, CoAspire and Zone 5 under the Low-Cost Containerized Munitions program. The department aims to procure more than 10,000 low-cost cruise missiles over three years beginning in 2027.
Leidos Defense President and 2026 Wash100 Award winner Cindy Gruensfelder said the company is committing resources across its supply chain to prepare for higher production volumes.
“We’re investing in our people, facilities, and supply chain to deliver proven capability to warfighters with a real sense of urgency,” Gruensfelder added.
Which Suppliers & Facilities Support Leidos’ Missile Programs?
Most of the manufacturing activities for the LCCM and AGM-190A will be based in Huntsville, Alabama, and McEwen, Tennessee. The broader supplier network extends to 14 states.
Pratt & Whitney Vice President of Fighter and Mobility Programs Jessica Villardi said the company is investing in manufacturing capacity and advanced production capabilities to meet demand for propulsion systems used in current and future programs.
Pratt & Whitney’s TJ150 turbojet engine powers the AGM-190A under a supply contract from Dynetics, a Leidos company. The Air Force formally designated Leidos’ Black Arrow small cruise missile as the AGM-190A in February.
Divergent Chief Commercial Officer Ben Nicholson said the supplier gathering demonstrated how a prime contractor could bring industry partners together, share information and coordinate production activities with urgency.
When Will Leidos Deliver Its Cruise Missiles?
Testing and evaluation activities for the LCCM are expected to begin with the delivery of the first missiles. Leidos has identified 2028 and 2029 as the anticipated years for full-rate manufacturing.
The Havoc Spear is already entering the delivery phase, with AFSOC receiving its initial missiles. Leidos also received a separate summer 2026 contract award from U.S. Special Operations Command covering 45 missiles. Shipments under that contract are expected to start in fall 2027.
What Other Missile Capabilities Does Leidos Support?
Leidos has decades of experience designing and integrating missile systems, launchers and precision-strike technologies for the U.S. military.
Its portfolio includes the Army’s Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2 launcher, hypersonic strike technology and advanced guidance and sensor capabilities for air and missile defense.
The company previously secured a $2.7 billion Army contract for a hypersonic weapons production effort. Leidos also received an Army order for 18 units of Indirect Fires Protection Capability Increment 2 launchers, with Gruensfelder crediting the company’s 2019 acquisition of Dynetics for capabilities supporting the program.
