How Much Does a Rocket Launcher Cost?
Rocket launchers are precision-guided weapon systems designed to launch projectiles at great distances, providing military organizations with a versatile and high-impact capability. With this article, we’ll delve into the cost spectrum of rocket launchers used by various militaries across the globe. Before discussing the costs, it is essential to understand the two primary categories of rocket launchers: unguided (Unguided RP) and guided (Unguided GP/Precision Guided)
Unguided Rocket Launchers
Cost: $250,000 – $350,000 per unit
Un guided ROCKET LAUNCHERS (UDRP) are typically 60- to 250-millimeter diameter. They are relatively inexpensive and canisters of 10- or 20- rockets mounted on a truck towed trailer or an ATV. Here are few examples of unguided launchers:
• AGM-122 SideArm: A lightweight, containerized, surface-to-ship missile system with no guidance system, developed to neutralize Soviet submarines: $250,000 per unit.
• RBS-14 (SS-N-18): A Russian developed, unguided anti-shipping missile, typically fire-and-forget: $300,000 per unit.
Precision-Guided Rocket (PGR) Launchers
Cost: $500,000 to $1.5 Million per unit
Precision-guided ROCKET LAUNCHERS ( PGR) use computers and GPS guidance to improve their accuracy; they are designed for multiple purposes, such as suppression of enemy air defenses. Here are some examples:
• HARM – AGM-88 Missile: A United States used anti-radiation Missile with computer-guidance: $1-1.5 million
• BGM-109G Gryphon PGM: An American Army’s Precision Guided Cruise Missile: $5-6 million per PGM
Advanced Technologies and Costs
Average Cost: $250,000 to $800,000 per unit per year
Here are some advanced rocket launcer examples, typically using network-centric design and slew-to-cue, further enhancing their effectiveness:
- Rapier SP: A British mobile air defence system, equipped with multi-mode radar, command module, and fire-and-track system: £850,000-£980,000 (c. $1.18-1.38 mn) per unit per annum.
- M998 Avenger: An advanced American anti-aircraft tactical vehicle, mounted with Phalanx and Stinger missile systems: circa $500,000 per unit per month.
Summary of Global Rocket Launcher Costs
| Category | Platform | Guidance (Unguided/**Precision Guided**/**Network-Centric** | Cost |
| UnGuided | Truck trailer/ATV | $250,000 – $350,000 | |
| €Precision Guided /Network-Centric | ATV/combat vehicle | /**Precision Guided**)/Network-Centric | $200,000 – $12,000,000) |
**Conclusion**
Military organizations worldwide are continually increasing their reliance on precision guidance systems, driving the trend towards more **advanced technologically sophisticated systems** as the primary method for firing rocket launchers. Such systems have been integrated using various platforms (grounded, air and sea systems), resulting in higher budgets and increased **cost factors**. With these various rocket launcher systems in comparison, we’ve tried, as best we can (and it’s an extremely big and complex problem)
Note: Costs may Vary depending on factors likescale, Production quantityand regional differences in costs.
Sources:
1. NATO: NATO Missile Systems Directory (2016)
2. US Government: Federation of American Scientists
4. Military Factory: militaryfactory.com
Note- All prices mentioned are exclusive of taxes, delivery methods, and production costs per unit.
