US Air Force Launches Full-Scale Production of AGM-183A Hypersonic Missile Exceeding Mach 5

AGM-183A Enters Mass Production Phase

According to НВ — Техно: On October 28, 2023, the United States Air Force confirmed the transition of the AGM-183A hypersonic missile, also known as ARRW, into serial production. Designed to be launched from B-52 Stratofortress bombers, this missile can engage targets up to 1,600 kilometers away while traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 5. The production contract, valued at $694 million, was awarded to Lockheed Martin on September 29, with public announcement following a month later.

The AGM-183A combines a rocket booster with a hypersonic glide vehicle, leveraging the immense kinetic energy of its high-speed impact to neutralize targets. Development began in 2018, and airborne testing from a B-52 started in 2019. While early flight tests encountered setbacks that increased program costs, the Air Force initially shifted focus to other hypersonic initiatives in 2023 before ultimately recommitting to the ARRW program.

“This marks a pivotal milestone in our roadmap for advancing cutting-edge weaponry,” said Troy Meink.

He emphasized that the program will provide commanders with a rapid strike option capable of penetrating sophisticated denial and access prevention systems.

Future Development and Procurement Plans

Funding for AGM-183A procurement is planned within the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. Concurrently, the Air Force is progressing with the Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM), which entered flight testing in Australia during the fall of 2026. The goal is to decide on HACM acquisition in 2027. Similar to ARRW, the HACM employs a solid-fuel rocket booster combined with a glide vehicle design.

AGM-183A is intended to target high-value assets located in heavily defended areas, underscoring its critical role in enhancing U.S. Air Force defense capabilities.

The decision to ramp up production of the AGM-183A highlights the growing U.S. commitment to hypersonic technologies, which are poised to reshape the global military balance. The Air Force stresses the importance of maintaining rapid strike capabilities to address evolving security challenges, especially amid intensifying hypersonic developments by other nations.

As the U.S. Air Force ramps up production of the AGM-183A hypersonic missile, it is also advancing its other hypersonic initiatives. Notably, the HACM missile recently underwent flight tests in Australia, showcasing the military's commitment to enhancing its strike capabilities in the coming years.