The US Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) and the Office of Naval Research (ONR) have awarded Anduril Industries the Tactical Missile Innovation Prize, recognizing its approach to accelerating tactical missile development.
Launched in January 2026, the challenge sought next-generation concepts rather than finished products to develop low-cost, versatile missile systems that meet modern operational requirements.
The competition emphasized “non-traditional acquisition pathways and industry collaboration” to achieve “scalable production and faster fielding” of disruptive capabilities.
Driving ‘More Practical Ways’
Anduril emerged from more than 40 submissions, with judges citing its “credible” end-to-end methodology.
The company’s proposal integrates digital engineering, modeling and simulation, and flight testing into a unified development process aligned with immediate battlefield needs.
“The NPS-ONR Tactical Missile Innovation Prize Challenge underscores the value of engaging industry in new ways,” said Kaitie Penry, director of emerging technology and innovation at NPS.
“The winning submission highlights how innovative thinking…can help focus and accelerate prototypes and concepts into more affordable, adaptable capabilities.”
Anduril will receive a $200,000 award from ONR as part of the prize and may pursue further collaboration with NPS through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement.
“Critical warfighter needs demand faster, more practical ways to move from idea to application,” explained US Marine Corps Maj. Dillon Pierce, who led the challenge. “This challenge highlighted innovative ways to do just that.”
