The Army is moving with urgency to strengthen its air and missile defense capacity, and it’s calling on industry to move with it. Concept white papers will be due by 5:00 p.m. ET on September 23, 2026. Full competition details and application link will be posted to our site soon. Prepare now to compete.

Competition Preview 

The U.S. Army is seeking innovative low-cost, medium range cruise missile and uncrewed aerial system interceptors for the Integrated Fires Protection Capability (IFPC) system from eligible small and large businesses across the U.S. through the xTech|Disrupt Fires competition. This platform offers participants the opportunity to engage with the U.S. Department of War (DoW), earn prize money and potentially receive a follow-on contract award or agreement.   

The U.S. Army FUZE xTech Program, managed under the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology (ASA(ALT)), is partnering with Capability Program Executive (CPE) Defensive Fires to deliver the xTech|Disrupt Fires competition. The Army recognizes that the DoW must enhance engagements with industry by (1) understanding the spectrum of world-class technologies being developed commercially that may benefit the DoW; (2) integrating the sector of non-traditional innovators into the DoW Science and Technology (S&T) ecosystem; and (3) providing expertise and feedback to accelerate, mature, transition, and scale technologies of interest to the DoW. 

The xTech|Disrupt Fires competition will consist of three (3) rounds:  

1. Call for concept white papers; 
2. Semi-finals technology pitch at the 2026 Association of the United States Army (AUSE) Annual Meeting & Exposition; and 
3. Finals demonstration event 

Problem Statement 

The U.S. Army is interested in cutting-edge technology solutions that will drive significant advancements in military capabilities while addressing complex challenges and enhancing national security. Specifically, the U.S. Army is seeking an integrated missile system, including an All-Up Round and modular canister design that is compatible with the Integrated Fires Protection Capability (IFPC) Increment 2 launcher. The interceptor must be lethal against advanced threats, including cruise missiles, uncrewed aerial systems, and fixed and rotary winged threats. The interceptor system must integrate with the IFPC system of systems, including the Army’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS), and the Sentinel A4 radar.