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BAE Systems' Scorpio-XR Precision Munition Designed to Give US Artillery Edge in High-Intensity Conflict.
In a context marked by the reemergence of high-intensity conflicts and growing technological competition among major powers, the United States is accelerating the modernization of its land forces, particularly in the field of artillery. Among the innovations currently under development is the Scorpio-XR, a long-range precision-guided munition designed by BAE Systems. It aims to provide U.S. Army brigade and division artillery units with significantly enhanced indirect fire capability compared to existing systems.
Scorpio-XR directly addresses the requirements outlined by the U.S. Army as part of its "cannon-delivered precision effects" initiatives and broader artillery transformation efforts (Picture source: BAE Systems)
Derived from technologies developed under the Hypervelocity Projectile (HVP) program, the Scorpio-XR is a 155mm guided projectile capable of engaging fixed and moving targets at twice the range of conventional guided munitions currently in service. This performance potentially places its reach beyond 70 kilometers, enabling U.S. artillery units to strike deep into contested zones where enemy defenses are active while remaining at a safer standoff distance. The munition is characterized by in-flight maneuverability, a reduced time-of-flight, and the integration of gun-hardened subsystems capable of withstanding the extreme stresses of cannon launch while maintaining electronic and guidance functionality.
Scorpio-XR directly addresses the requirements outlined by the U.S. Army as part of its "cannon-delivered precision effects" initiatives and broader artillery transformation efforts. In the face of anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) systems deployed by powers such as China and Russia—which are capable of threatening forward operating bases and lines of communication—U.S. ground forces require indirect fire solutions capable of operating beyond the reach of these defensive networks. By enhancing both the range and accuracy of its artillery, the Army aims to reestablish battlefield dominance without relying exclusively on air assets, which may be unavailable during the early stages of a high-intensity conflict.
The Scorpio-XR is also designed to be compatible with existing 155mm artillery systems, including the towed M777 and the self-propelled M109A7 Paladin. This approach facilitates the modernization of current platforms while avoiding the costs associated with new artillery systems. As part of an ongoing contract with the U.S. Army, BAE Systems has conducted more than 100 test firings to validate the munition’s performance under a range of operational scenarios.
Industrial competition in this strategic segment is intense. Among Scorpio-XR’s direct competitors is RTX’s (formerly Raytheon) Excalibur S, a GPS-guided precision munition that, in some versions, also features semi-active laser guidance. However, while Excalibur has proven effective, it does not achieve the extended range targeted by Scorpio-XR. Another key program is the Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA), led by the U.S. Army in partnership with companies such as Northrop Grumman. ERCA focuses on increasing the range of the artillery systems themselves, including with enhanced-propulsion munitions like the XM1113, which can exceed 70 kilometers. Lockheed Martin is also developing actively guided munitions incorporating missile-based technologies, although these solutions tend to be more expensive and technically complex to integrate with legacy artillery platforms.
Scorpio-XR’s relevance lies in its ability to combine innovation, platform compatibility, and operational effectiveness. Positioned between short-range conventional munitions and higher-cost guided missile systems, it offers a potential standardized solution for U.S. artillery units in the near future. It also responds to increasing demands for precision strikes in contested or urban environments, where minimizing collateral damage is critical. Moreover, its development supports close coordination with ground maneuver forces, particularly within the framework of the Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) doctrine, which emphasizes the integration of land, air, cyber, and space-based effectors.
The Scorpio-XR is emerging as a critical capability in the U.S. Army’s artillery modernization process. Combining extended range, precision guidance, proven durability, and compatibility with in-service systems, it is poised to become a reference solution in response to growing ballistic and anti-access threats. Its eventual fielding is expected to enhance the tactical autonomy of U.S. combat brigades and their ability to deliver effective long-range firepower, while contributing to the Pentagon’s broader strategy of extended-range dominance.