Next Generation Hypersonic Cruise Missile Industry Day

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Tactical Technology Office is conducting an Industry Day on September 22, 2026, to brief potential proposers on the Next Generation Hypersonic Cruise Missile (NGHCM) program, which will precede release of a Program Solicitation. Advance registration closes September 16, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET and is capped at 120 participants with no more than three representatives per business entity.

The NGHCM program aims to design, build, and flight-test a fully integrated system demonstrator establishing technical foundations for next-generation capabilities, delivering significant leaps in operational range, cruise speed, and altitude to address advanced threats in highly contested environments. DARPA emphasizes a Design for Manufacturing and Assembly approach from project inception to establish a clear, realistic path toward affordable, high-rate production.

Attendance is limited to U.S. citizens holding REAL ID Act-compliant photo identification and proof of citizenship. The event is classified as Controlled Unclassified Information; cellphones, electronics, and recording devices are prohibited. Attendance is voluntary and not required to propose to subsequent solicitations. DARPA will not reimburse participation costs.

Attendees may submit 24" by 36" or 36" by 24" posters in PDF format to NGHCMIndustryDay@darpa.mil by the registration cutoff for display during a networking session. A separate RFI (DARPA-SN-26-93) with an extended deadline of November 6, 2026, accepts unlimited submissions addressing advanced materials, manufacturing, thermal protection systems, alternate positioning/navigation/timing technologies, and test and evaluation capabilities. The Government will consider small businesses, non-traditional performers, and traditional prime contractors; both standalone responses and teaming arrangements are acceptable for Focus Areas 3 and 4.