USAF Orders ARRW Hypersonic Missile Into Production After Nearly Cancelling It
The U.S. Air Force has signed a $694 million deal with Lockheed Martin for the manufacture of the AGM-183A Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) hypersonic missile, marking a significant shift from the testing phase to production of the controversial missile.
The contract, which was signed on September 29 and revealed on October 26, 2026, represents a drastic turnaround for a program that the Air Force was planning to scrap by 2023. Neither the Air Force nor Lockheed has released details regarding the quantity of missiles ordered or the expected delivery date.
How the ARRW Hypersonic Missile Works
ARRW is an air-launched hypersonic weapon that has the ability to operate at hypersonic speed, which is greater than Mach 5. This is done by the rocket booster boosting the speed of the missile, after which a glide body continues traveling in the atmosphere towards the target.
This body can change course while flying, which might make it harder to be tracked and intercepted by the air defense system. The ARRW is considered to be a fast strike option against a well-defended target.
From Cancellation Plans to Production
Several failed flight test missions for the ARRW have forced the Air Force to reassess its procurement strategy in 2023, diverting its focus to other hypersonic projects, such as HACM.
Later budget considerations and the remarks made by Air Force officials, however, suggested that the ARRW project was still in development and could be brought back into the procurement process. This new production agreement proves that the Air Force is moving away from its previous strategy. Air & Space Forces Magazine discussed the evolution of the ARRW.
B-52 and B-1 Bombers Expected to Carry ARRW
According to the Air Force, the B-52 Stratofortress will be the main aircraft that will undertake testing of ARRWs as well as fielding. Additionally, the B-1B Lancer has been involved in tests and will be instrumental in the integration process.
Such bombers have the capacity to mount heavy payloads externally and can launch them out of the adversary's air defense zones. It should be noted that the delivery schedule as well as the total number of missiles contracted, was not made public by the Air Force.
ARRW’s Role in Future US Strike
Production of the weapon system will involve the integration of a hypersonic boost-glide weapon into the development of long-range strike capabilities by the Air Force. The use of fast weapons for attacks on time-sensitive and valuable targets has been the focus of the service.
Further developments in the ARRW could include the addition of a seeker and datalink technology for engagement against maneuvering targets, although the details and schedule of these developments are different from the current production plans.
Author: Kevin Macmellon
