U.S. Special Operations Command Seeks Long-Range Kamikaze Drone

U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) is in the market for a compact, long-range kamikaze-style loitering munition.

According to a Request for Information (RFI) published by SOCOM on June 26, the program aims to develop an air-launched loitering munition that delivers "extended range and capabilities beyond the existing SOPGM (Special Operations Precision Guided Munitions) series." Industry responses are due by July 27.

Background

Loitering munitions — also referred to as kamikaze drones or suicide drones — are precision-strike weapons capable of orbiting a target area while awaiting an engagement opportunity. They combine the persistent surveillance characteristics of unmanned aircraft with the terminal lethality of conventional missiles, and have demonstrated significant operational effectiveness across multiple recent conflicts.

SOCOM's RFI specifically calls for air-launched deployment and explicitly requires that the new system outperform the current SOPGM inventory in both range and overall capability — a clear signal that special operations forces are seeking greater strike depth and mission flexibility.

Industry Implications

The issuance of this RFI indicates that U.S. special operations forces are actively evaluating next-generation precision-strike solutions and are casting a wide net across the defense industry to gauge technical feasibility. Vendors with expertise in miniaturized design, long-endurance flight, and high-precision guidance are well-positioned to participate in any subsequent formal acquisition process.

Detailed technical specifications and mission requirements remain limited at this stage and are expected to be disclosed in future formal solicitation documents.

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