The B-52H Stratofortress nuclear bomber launched an AGM-183A ARRW hypersonic missile for the first time after a failed spring test

The Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) is one of several hypersonic missiles the Pentagon is working on. In all likelihood, the project will be shut down, but the US Air Force continues to test it.

Here's What We Know

The nuclear-capable bomber first launched a combat prototype of the AGM-183A ARRW hypersonic missile in December 2022. The second test took place in March and ended unsuccessfully, after which there was talk of shutting down the project.

The U.S. Air Force immediately stated that even in the case of curtailing the ARRW programme, the service will conduct planned tests of the two remaining prototypes. And so, almost six months after the failed test, the B-52H strategic aircraft made another test launch off the coast of California on 19 August 2023.

The hypersonic missile is being worked on by US company Lockheed Martin. The House Armed Services Committee decided to zero out funding for the programme starting next fiscal year.

It is possible that the project will be resumed in the future. For now, the Pentagon will focus on the development of the Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile or HACM. The department sees more promise in this hypersonic missile.

As for the recent test, the U.S. Air Force would not comment on the objectives or how successful it was. However, service officials said they have gained valuable new information about the ARRW's capabilities. That data could help other projects, including HACM.

Source: Defence News