The US Army has awarded Raytheon a $5-billion contract for the Coyote missile system, a high-speed weapon primarily used for counter-drone operations with multi-mission capability.
The deal package includes the fixed and mobile missile launchers, kinetic and non-kinetic interceptors, and Ku-band radio frequency system radars.
Work is estimated to be completed by September 28, 2033, with the work locations and funding to be determined per order, according to the Pentagon contract announcement.
Drone Killer
Raytheon’s Coyote is a versatile family of effectors that are deployable from ground and air platforms, with potential naval applications.
The small and expendable rail-launched interceptor variant focuses on countering uncrewed aerial system threats through its kinetic and non-kinetic payloads.
Meanwhile, its launched effects (LE) version retains the counter-drone capability, but expands the mission scope to include reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and precision strike roles.
They are more versatile and can be reused or recovered, particularly the LE SR (short-range) variant.
The Coyotes are already in service with the US Army.
In January 2024, the service ordered 600 2C drone interceptors amid attacks against Washington’s forces in the Middle East.
In April 2025, Raytheon partnered with the UAE to locally produce the Coyote counter-drone system.
