US cancels development of ambitious HALO hypersonic rocket due to high cost
The US Navy has officially announced the termination of the HALO programme, an ambitious project to develop a hypersonic missile capable of striking enemy vessels, including aircraft carriers, from a long distance. The main reason for the cancellation of the programme is its excessive cost.
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According to the original plan, the HALO missile was supposed to enter service in 2029 and reach full combat readiness by 2031. However, after a financial assessment, the project was deemed too expensive.
That is why the Pentagon is refocusing on proven weapons - the AGM-158C LRASM long-range anti-ship missiles.
The AGM-158C is an upgraded version of the JASSM missile, which was developed in 2009-2017. It has inertial navigation, GPS guidance, an electronic support system and an infrared homing head for precise target engagement in the final phase of flight. The missile is capable of changing trajectory and evading enemy air defences in real time.
The AGM-158C weighs 1,250 kilograms, has a length of 4.26 metres, a wingspan of 2.7 metres and a WDU-42/B warhead weighing 454 kilograms. It has a maximum range of 370 kilometres and an accuracy of three metres CEP. According to the US Navy, the transition to this weapon will help maintain the strike capabilities of the fleet without excessive costs.
Source: Defence Industry Europe
