Raytheon has secured a $5-billion contract from the US Army to deliver its Coyote missile system, a fast-reacting weapon with broad multi-mission capabilities, primarily used for counter-drone defense.
The deal encompasses launch platforms (both mobile and fixed), kinetic and non-kinetic interceptors, and Ku-band radar systems for enhanced targeting and engagement.
The Coyote series comprises modular, expendable effectors deployable from air or ground assets, and adaptable for naval missions. Its interceptor model is optimized to defeat uncrewed aerial threats, while the launched effects (LE) variant extends operational roles to include reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and precision strikes.
Reusable models, particularly the LE SR (short-range) version, offer added flexibility for sustained operations.
The Coyote system is already operational within the US Army. In January 2024, the service procured 600 Coyote 2C interceptors in response to escalating drone attacks in the Middle East. By April 2025, Raytheon advanced its global collaboration by signing a partnership with the UAE to produce the Coyote counter-drone system locally.
