U.S. plans growth in JAGM and Hellfire production pipeline

The United States is preparing for a large-scale expansion of its sustainment and supply chain framework for the Army’s Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) and AGM-114 Hellfire systems, according to a new notice from the Defense Logistics Agency. Both missile families are manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the long-time prime contractor responsible for their production and lifecycle support.

The document, published on Nov. 26, outlines the first steps of an effort to identify new manufacturing and supply sources as demand for missile components continues to grow.

According to a sources sought announcement from DLA Aviation Huntsville, the government is conducting market research to determine whether the upcoming procurement of spare missile components can attract additional industrial participants beyond the current supplier base.

The notice states that DLA is seeking qualified firms “for the acquisition of spare missile parts to add to the Lockheed Martin Captain of Industries (COI) Supplier Capability Contract,” which supports the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Life Cycle Management Command.

The agency emphasized that no solicitation exists at this stage. “There is no solicitation available at this time. Requests for a solicitation will not receive a response,” the document says. Instead, the sources sought notice is designed to determine whether future sustainment efforts can be competitive or potentially set aside for small businesses.

The requirement includes spare parts for both the JAGM and Hellfire families, including an inert warhead assembly listed under NAICS 336414, the category used for guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing.

The Army is also looking for firms capable of meeting prequalification requirements established by the Army’s engineering authority. The service noted in the document that the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center — specifically the System Readiness Directorate, Sustainment Division — is the engineering source authority for the required items.

Companies responding to the notice are expected to demonstrate full manufacturing and supply chain competence, including recurring and nonrecurring engineering, forecasting, long-lead procurement, logistics support, obsolescence management and final delivery of parts.

The agency said the upcoming solicitation will also request economic order quantity data to help optimize future procurement strategies. “The subsequent solicitation shall include a request for economic order quantities to ensure optimal ordering quantities,” the notice states. The government expects offers to include quantity ranges that differ from the initial demand estimates.

The document also warns that the acquisition contains export-controlled technical data regulated by the Arms Export Control Act and the Export Administration Act. As noted in the notice, “Arms export information cannot be released outside the United States without prior approval of the government.” Offerors and their suppliers must hold an active U.S./Canada Joint Certification Program clearance to access these materials.

DLA also underscored that the government retains the right to cancel the procurement entirely before award. “The government has no obligation to reimburse an offeror for any costs” should the acquisition be terminated, the agency stated.

This planning effort reflects the growing operational importance of precision air-to-ground strike systems across the U.S. Army, particularly as both Hellfire and JAGM missiles continue to support aviation brigades globally.

The expansion of the sustainment pipeline indicates preparations for higher production tempos, driven by global demand and the Army’s continued reliance on rotary-wing and unmanned platforms equipped with these munitions.