Boeing will build a $70.6 million test version of the Glide Breaker anti-missile to intercept hypersonic weapons
The Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) has selected a company to develop a test interceptor under the Glide Breaker programme. The contract went to the American giant Boeing.
Here's What We Know
Boeing received $70.6 million for the second phase of the Glide Breaker programme. The aim of the project is to create an anti-missile that can intercept hypersonic weapons. The contract was awarded more than a year after DARPA released a request for proposals.
The first phase was to create a control system that would provide interception of airborne threats travelling at hypersonic speeds (from 6174 km/h). The second phase of the Glide Breaker programme will focus on flight tests to evaluate the combat module.
The new missile interceptor will be used in areas where US forces are concentrated. In particular, we are talking about the Indo-Pacific region. DARPA said last year that the new interceptors would be designed to provide regional missile defence, shooting down airborne threats before they start manoeuvring.
Work will take place at Boeing plants in California, Missouri and Alabama. The contract runs until February 2027.
