US Army to deploy LRHW hypersonic missiles by the end of 2025

After delays in testing, the US Army plans to deploy the first long-range hypersonic weapon (LRHW) by the end of fiscal year 2025.

Here's What We Know

The US Army intended to deliver Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) hypersonic missiles to the 1st Multinational Task Force in 2023, but the tests were delayed due to difficulties with the launch process.

After a successful test in May 2024 in Hawaii and an additional test in December at Cape Canaveral, the programme received the green light for deployment. The LRHW will be launched from mobile platforms, while its naval counterpart, the Conventional Prompt Strike, is planned to be mounted on ships.

Hypersonic missiles can fly at speeds of more than Mach 5 (about 6,174 km/h), manoeuvring at different altitudes, making them difficult to intercept. The main combat module, the Common Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB), is being developed jointly by the Army and Navy.

Lockheed Martin is the system integrator for the Army's hypersonic systems, while Leidos Dynetics is responsible for creating the industrial base for C-HGB production.

Despite the delays, army officials point out that missile development typically takes 10 years, while the LRHW programme has reached the deployment stage in less than six. In a broader context, the US is primarily competing with China and Russia to develop hypersonic missile defence systems.

Source: Defence News