U.S. Navy Adapts CoAspire and Zone 5 Missiles for Shipboard Use

The U.S. Navy has awarded two contracts under its CHAOS program. The project is believed to involve CoAspire’s RAACM-ER cruise missiles and Zone 5 Technologies’ Rusty Dagger.

According to DVIDS, the CHAOS program is focused on developing low-cost, scalable strike weapons. Its main goal is to provide the U.S. Navy and its allies with affordable, precision-guided systems capable of engaging both surface and land targets.

The new missiles are expected to help address the shortage of anti-ship weapons and replace aging systems.

According to available information, CoAspire’s RAACM-ER missile has a range of more than 1,800 km, while Zone 5’s AGM-188A Rusty Dagger, weighing around 225 kg, has a range of more than 930 km.

The first stage involves developing a ground-based launcher, with mass production expected to begin by 2028. The system will later be adapted for launch from ships and, if needed, from aircraft.

The U.S. Air Force has conducted drop tests of the Rusty Dagger cruise missile, developed for Ukraine under the ERAM program, from an F-16 fighter aircraft.

The integration test campaign comprised a series of captive-carry and separation tests, including assessments of weapons-system compatibility, proper loading procedures, and aerodynamic/flight compatibility with the F-16.