U.S. Army LRHW IOC imminent; HACM Woomera tests; Pentagon-confirmed Cape Canaveral success + joint Army-Navy boost-glide test; Australia AUKUS AIM-260A; Zumwalt CPS sea-based advance
Key Questions
When is the U.S. Army's Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW, or Dark Eagle) expected to achieve Initial Operational Capability?
The first Dark Eagle battery is set for fielding in weeks, marking imminent IOC for the LRHW program. It features a 2,175-mile range and is part of a $12 billion effort.
What was the significance of the joint U.S. Army-Navy hypersonic missile test at Cape Canaveral?
On March 26, the DoD confirmed a successful joint test of a common hypersonic missile at Cape Canaveral, achieving Mach 5+ speeds. The boost-glide test validated strike capability against advanced defenses.
What are the details of the Navy's contract for hypersonic weapons on the USS Zumwalt?
The Navy awarded Lockheed Martin a $1.36 billion contract modification for Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) integration on the Zumwalt, including 12 tubes and Common Hypersonic Glide Body at Courtland, AL. Trials are planned for January, with capabilities extending over 2,775 km through 2032.
What is Australia's involvement with the AIM-260A missile under AUKUS?
Australia secured a $3.16 billion Foreign Military Sales deal for 450 AIM-260A Mach ~5 air-to-air missiles in July, integrated with the 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force under AUKUS. This enhances RAAF capabilities against threats like China's PL-15.
What upcoming developments are expected for U.S. hypersonic programs like HACM and CPS?
Next steps include basing and sustainment for LRHW, HACM tests at Woomera, AUKUS integration, and full CPS deployment. Recent successes like AUR and joint tests signal advancing capabilities.
First Dark Eagle battery fielding in weeks (2,175mi, $12B); DoD confirms Mar 26 Cape Canaveral joint Army-Navy common hypersonic missile test (Mach5+, boost-glide vs advanced defenses); CPS Zumwalt $1.36B Lockheed mod confirmed (Courtland AL, 12 tubes, Common HGB, Jan trials, >2,775km to 2032); Australia July (3rd MDTF AUKUS) + $3.16B FMS 450 AIM-260A Mach~5 AAM; AUR success. Basing/sustainment/HACM/AUKUS/CPS integration next.