The U.S. Air Force’s proposed fiscal 2025 budget requests $517 million for its Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM) development, while the future of the AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) looks uncertain. The budget does not include funds for ARRW procurement or research and development after completion of the rapid prototyping program.
HACM and ARRW are the Air Force’s main hypersonic development programs, aimed at speeds greater than Mach 5 to evade enemy tracking and interception. HACM is an air-breathing missile, while ARRW is a boost-glide hypersonic weapon.
Lockheed Martin expressed pride in its work on ARRW, stressing the achievement of a mature, fully-qualified weapon system. However, ARRW’s future remains uncertain after a failed test in March 2023, with indications that HACM will be prioritized over ARRW.
Budget documents reveal that HACM offers greater threat capability and versatility compared to ARRW, with a smaller size allowing for easier aircraft integration. The total cost for ARRW will be $1.7 billion, while HACM research and development funds increase steadily from fiscal years 2023 to 2026.
The Army and Navy are facing delays in their joint hypersonic program, impacting the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon and Conventional Prompt Strike missile acquisition plans. Testing setbacks have led to a pause in procurement to align with testing progress.
