Hypersonic missile in jeopardy - Lockheed Martin may close AGM-183A ARRW programme due to funding cut-off after failed test

The US Department of Defense may shut down one of its hypersonic weapons development projects. The news comes after the AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) failed test.

Here's What We Know

A hypersonic weapon test involving a B-52H Stratofortress strategic aircraft took place on 13 March. The US Air Force did not immediately announce that the test was unsuccessful. Experts are now looking into the reasons for the failure.

U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said Lockheed Martin's ARRW programs could be in jeopardy. The service's priority is another project, the Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM). It will result in a cruise missile capable of speeds in excess of Mach 5 (6174km/h).

The US Air Force has two more AGM-183A ARRW combat prototypes. After two tests, a decision will be made on the future of this programme. The fate of the project is likely to be decided as part of the fiscal 2025 (FY) budget process. That said, the service has requested $150 million for ARRW development in FY2024.

In FY2023, the US Air Force received $115 million for hypersonic missile research, development, testing and evaluation. Compared to FY2020, funding was more than halved (from $308 million). The documents for FY2024 do not include funds for the purchase of missiles.

In addition, there is no mention of future funding. At the same time, the development of hypersonic weapons Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM) will receive $382 million in FY2024 and $1.5 billion from the period of FY2025-2028.

Source: Defence News