- The U.S. Army is seeking domestic manufacturers capable of producing the XM1208 155mm advanced submunitions projectile to replace DPICM stocks.
- The XM1208 is designed for area‑effect missions using time‑fuzed submunitions fired from M109 and M777 howitzers.
The United States Army is seeking potential U.S.-based producers for a next-generation 155mm artillery projectile designed to replace aging stockpiles of Dual-Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions (DPICM).
A sources sought notice, released by the Army Contracting Command-New Jersey on December 5, outlines the service’s effort to identify qualified manufacturers for the XM1208 Advanced Submunitions projectile.
According to the Army’s market survey, the XM1208 “will provide U.S. ground forces with a capability to effectively engage imprecisely located enemies within an area, emphasizing personnel and light materiel missions.” The program is aimed at delivering a cluster-munition policy-compliant replacement that can “broaden the target set, enhance lethality, and extend the reach of the current cannon platforms beyond the current DPICM capability.”
The XM1208 is a 155mm, 39-caliber-compatible area effects projectile loaded with submunitions. It can be fired from standard M109A6/A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzers and M777A2 towed howitzers using the M762A1 electronic time fuze. The submunitions are dispersed mid-flight at a preset time.
The Army said that major subcomponents of the round include the projectile body, base, metal cup, adapters, piston plate, sliders, housing, thermal battery, and tungsten cubes. The XM1208 projectile is based on a contractor-owned Technical Data Package (TDP), which will not be released publicly. However, the Army stated, “If additional technical data is required, a point of contact can be provided upon request.” Interested firms are still required to respond to the survey even if requesting further technical information.
Companies responding to the request must demonstrate their ability to meet a production goal of 30,000 XM1208 projectiles per year. The Army noted that this figure “may be achieved with multiple sources” and asked respondents to identify both their minimum sustaining rate and their maximum annual production capacity.
As stated in the notice, “This market survey is for informational and planning purposes only and shall not be construed as a Request for Proposal or as an obligation on the part of the Government.” All responses must be submitted electronically by 0900 EST on December 22, 2025. The Army emphasized that telephone inquiries will not be accepted and that questions must be submitted in writing.
The request is part of a broader shift to modernize the U.S. military’s artillery capabilities while adhering to updated policy standards on submunition use. The XM1208 will not only replace outdated cluster rounds but also expand operational flexibility for field artillery units by targeting a wider array of threats across dispersed areas.