Army leaders call on innovators to shape the future of air defense at LCI Industry Day

The U.S. Army plans to convene a Low-Cost Interceptor Industry Day on June 23, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia, aiming to speed development and fielding of more affordable air and missile defense capabilities. According to the Army, the gathering will bring senior leaders together with defense firms, engineers, startups, and non-traditional partners to address the rising demand for cost-effective systems to counter drones, cruise missiles, and short-range ballistic missiles.

The Army said Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology Brent Ingraham are slated to speak. Brig. Gen. Yelverton, the Capability Executive for Defensive Fires, is expected to outline acquisition requirements and the service’s longer-term vision for defensive fires, the Army said.

Service officials describe the Low-Cost Interceptor effort as a push for modular, highly effective defensive options that can be produced and fielded at scale. The initiative reflects a broader shift across U.S. and allied forces to reduce the cost-per-shot against proliferating aerial threats, a challenge underscored by recent conflicts in which inexpensive drones and cruise missiles have strained air-defense inventories.

Beyond briefings, the Army said the event will serve as an on-ramp into its innovation ecosystem, with a particular emphasis on the xTech program, part of the Army’s FUZE portfolio. Subject-matter experts will discuss how companies can enter upcoming prize competitions that offer cash awards, mentorship, and pathways to follow-on Army contracts, according to the announcement.

Attendance is free, but registration is required by 5 p.m. on June 18, 2026, the Army said. More information and registration are available at https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/kgKTU9iUHe.