FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Huntsville, AL. – Aug. 26, 2025 - The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center, or DEVCOM AvMC, today met with 46 potential industry partners during their industry day for its Direct Support Fires Technology (DSFT) science and technology project.

The U.S. Army has identified an emerging need for low-cost, massed produced rockets that are compatible with current and future launchers and will be intended to provide highly responsive massed reinforcing fires to Field Artillery Formations. To accelerate the development of this capability, DEVCOM AvMC is executing the DSFT science and technology project to develop and demonstrate low-cost rocket technology and a reloadable MLRS Family of Munitions compatible pod, with the program successfully shooting seven rockets at Project Convergence Capstone 5 in Spring 2025.

When the Secretary of the U.S. Army, Hon. Daniel Driscoll visited Redstone Arsenal in May 2025, he challenged its stakeholders to evolve how they work with industry: “Where can we innovate? How can we start to flex that muscle of partnership to see how we can make Soldiers’ lives better?”

The Center is answering that call with this novel approach that will empower industry partners to cross-collaborate with each other while supporting the DSFT mission. The intent is to not do business as usual but create an ecosystem to leverage the DEVCOM AvMC reference design and body of knowledge, utilizing Cooperative Research and Development Agreements, and then iteratively demonstrate DSFT technologies.

“We want to create an environment where initiative on the industry side is rewarded,” said Hunter Blackwell, Fires Capability Area Lead.

A static motor rodeo is scheduled for February 2026, with the program expected to be showcased at Project Convergence Capstone 6 in 2026.

About DEVCOM AvMC: DEVCOM AvMC is the Army’s research and development focal point for advanced technology in aviation and missile systems. It is part of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM), a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Futures Command. The Center delivers collaborative and innovative aviation and missile capabilities for responsive and cost-effective research, development and life cycle engineering solutions, as required by the Army’s strategic priorities and in support to its Cross-Functional Teams.

Media Contact:

Katie Davis Skelley

Command Information Lead

katherine.d.skelley.civ@army.mil

256-690-8588

https://www.avmc.army.mil/