U.S. Army Awards $621M Contract for Short-Range Air Defense Systems

The U.S. Army has awarded a $621 million contract to General Dynamics for the procurement of additional Sergeant Stout short-range air defense systems.

The contract, published on the Department of Defense website, includes the delivery of the systems along with spare parts, support services, and technical assistance.

Completion is expected by Sept. 29, 2028.

The Sergeant Stout system — previously known as M-SHORAD — is a short-range air defense module mounted on a Stryker wheeled armored vehicle.

The system features a four-round launcher for FIM-92 Stinger missiles, similar to those used in the Avenger system. It can also be configured with two AGM-114L Longbow Hellfire missiles.

In addition to missile armament, the module is equipped with a 30mm M230 automatic cannon and a 7.62mm M240 machine gun, providing layered defenses against aerial threats and for close-range protection.

Air target detection is carried out using radars manufactured by RADA Electronic Industries Ltd, which are mounted directly on the vehicle.