CaliToday (16/9/2025): The United States Army is calling on defense contractors to submit proposals for a new extended-range 155mm artillery shell as part of its Next Generation Rocket Assisted Projectile (NGRAP) program. The initiative aims to significantly enhance the reach and effectiveness of its field artillery systems.
The request was formally issued through a sources sought notice by the Army Contracting Command-New Jersey (ACC-NJ). This effort supports the development goals led by the Project Manager for Combat Ammunition Systems (PM-CAS) at Picatinny Arsenal, a key center for U.S. military armament research and development.
Performance and Range Objectives
The Army has outlined ambitious performance requirements for the NGRAP. The new projectile must be a rocket-assisted design capable of achieving a minimum range of 40 kilometers in an unguided mode and 36 kilometers in a guided mode when fired from existing 39-caliber cannon systems.
Furthermore, the munition is being designed with future capabilities in mind. When fired from emerging 52-caliber artillery platforms, the NGRAP is expected to meet future range targets of up to 55 kilometers (unguided) and 48 kilometers (guided).
System Compatibility and Integration
A critical requirement of the NGRAP program is its seamless integration with the Army's current and legacy infrastructure. The new projectile must remain compatible with existing weapon systems, including the M109-series Self-Propelled Howitzer and the M777 Lightweight Towed Howitzer.
Compatibility also extends to existing logistical systems. The projectile must function with the M232-series Modular Artillery Charge System (MACS) and be compatible with a range of fuzes, specifically the M767-series, M782-series, and the M1156A1 Precision Guidance Kit (PGK) fuze.
Mission and Strategic Goals
According to the Army's notice, the NGRAP is designed to engage and neutralize personnel and light materiel targets. The intended target set includes critical battlefield assets such as radars, air defense systems, and enemy artillery positions.
"The proposed projectile will effectively defeat personnel and light materiel target sets, including radar, air defense, and artillery," the announcement stated. The Army is seeking mature, well-developed solutions that can be rapidly advanced through a Critical Design Review (CDR) and into full qualification with minimal additional development. Respondents are required to provide detailed information on how their proposed solutions will meet these specified range, guidance, and lethality objectives.
Acquisition Timeline and Production
To allow for more comprehensive submissions, the Army has extended the deadline for responses to September 22, 2025.
The acquisition strategy involves awarding a standalone Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) for the final development and qualification phases. Following a successful evaluation, the government intends to proceed with Low-Rate Initial Production and eventually Full-Rate Production. The process will be based on a Government-owned Level III Technical Data Package (TDP), giving the Army full ownership and control over the design for future production and sustainment.
Interested parties must submit a detailed package of technical and manufacturing information, including proof of capability, a development roadmap for testing and qualification, and projected production rates. The Army has requested price estimates for production quantities ranging from 500 to 15,000 units per year.
The program is on an accelerated timeline, with Initial Operational Capability (IOC) planned for Fiscal Year 2027 and a target for Full Materiel Release in Fiscal Year 2030.
The NGRAP effort is a key component of the Army's broader modernization strategy to expand the range and lethality of its artillery, directly addressing the growing threats posed by near-peer adversaries equipped with advanced counter-battery and long-range fire capabilities.
