Pentagon is optimistic about hypersonic weapons after successful cruise missile test
The U.S. Defense Department was satisfied with the tests of hypersonic weapons, being developed under the Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon program. This was announced by Secretary of the U.S. Air Force Frank Kendall.
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The AGM-183A ARRW is a future hypersonic cruise missile being developed by Lockheed Martin for the U.S. Air Force. According to Kendall, the development of the missile has not yet been completed and the specialists still have a lot of work to do. At the same time, recent tests made the Pentagon look to the future with optimism.
The secretary ignored the issue of funding the Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon for 2024. But he said authorities must assess the program's cost effectiveness, its place in the Air Force's "hypersonic arsenal" and determine the way forward.
The U.S. conducted several tests in 2022. In particular, in May, the missile was launched from a B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber and was able to reach a speed of over Mach 5 (6100 km/h). The previous test phase of the AGM-183A ARRW ended in July. It focused on the rocket booster. The United States has scheduled comprehensive testing of the system for the fall.
Source: Defense News
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