Olga Koval 22:20, 12.05.26 UNIAN

The United States is developing a new version of the ARRW hypersonic missile capable of hitting moving targets

The AGM-183A ARRW hypersonic air-launched missile program , which was previously tried to be shut down, is not only getting back on track, but is also being developed. As part of the new development phase, the US Air Force plans to create a modernized version of the missile capable of hitting moving targets, including ships, which is especially important in the context of a possible conflict in the Pacific region, writes TWZ .

A few years ago, the ARRW (Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon) was actually considered a failed project. In 2023, the US Air Force announced its intention to discontinue its development after a series of failed tests and focus on an alternative system – the HACM hypersonic cruise missile.

However, the program was not completely closed. In the following years, it was revised, funding was restored, and missiles were purchased for limited operational use. Now we are talking about the next step – the Increment 2 version.

According to the Pentagon’s budget documents for fiscal year 2027, it is planned to allocate about $296 million for the development of the new modification. These funds will be used to develop and test the ARRW Increment 2 version, integrate the seeker, add a data link, and modernize the design and reduce production costs.

The main change is the transition from striking only fixed targets to hitting moving objects, the publication says.

Why it matters: from land targets to sea targets

The current version of the ARRW is a hypersonic boost-glide vehicle. The missile is accelerated by an accelerator, after which the warhead separates and flies towards the target along a high-speed trajectory in the atmosphere, maneuvering along the way. The speed, unpredictability of the trajectory and the ability to maneuver make such missiles extremely difficult to intercept.

But until now, ARRW could only hit static targets. Adding a homing head opens up fundamentally new possibilities – hitting moving targets, primarily ships, and in the future – mobile ground targets (e.g. missile launchers).

The Pacific Factor and China

The program places particular emphasis on a potential conflict in the Indo-Pacific region. In the event of a confrontation with China, the United States will need to quickly defeat large naval targets, be able to penetrate echeloned air defenses, and reduce the enemy’s reaction time.

The new version of ARRW is seen as a tool against aircraft carriers, large amphibious assault ships, and mobile missile systems.

It is separately noted that China is actively developing its own hypersonic systems, including anti-ship variants, which is intensifying the arms race.

Control and guidance system

To engage moving targets, the missile will receive a multi-mode homing head (possible options: radar, infrared, or combined) and a data transmission channel for trajectory correction in flight.

This will allow you to first bring the missile to the target area, and then refine the guidance in real time.

At the same time, a key problem remains – the operation of electronics in conditions of extreme heating and overloads of hypersonic flight.

Media and testing

The main launch platforms remain the B-52 and B-1B strategic bombers (in test configurations).

Tests have already been conducted from the Andersen base (Guam), which in itself sends a strategic signal towards China.

Strategic context

The US sees hypersonic weapons as an element of a “rapid global strike” – the ability to hit high-value targets in a short time at long distances. ARRW Increment 2 could become the first US hypersonic weapon with a full anti-ship function, an important element of future naval operations and part of a system for defeating targets in conditions of strong air defense.

After a period of uncertainty, the ARRW program has not only survived, but is evolving towards a more sophisticated and versatile weapon. The transition to engaging moving targets, especially naval targets, effectively puts the system in the category of a new generation of strategic anti-ship weapons.

The US is returning to forgotten weapons programs

Earlier, the United States repaired and put into operation a strategic bomber B-1B, returning it from the “aircraft graveyard” in Arizona . The aircraft with serial number 86-0115 was previously called Rage (“Rage”). Its restoration lasted two years. As part of the overhaul, more than 500 components were replaced on the bomber. After the repair, it was given a new name – Apocalypse II (“Apocalypse II”).

The US Air Force also demonstrated the B-1B Lancer bomber with the ARRW hypersonic missile for the first time. Previously, the Americans wanted to get rid of this aircraft, but now its service life has been extended for at least another 10 years.

https://www.unian.ua/weapons/arrw-ssha-gotuyut-giperzvukovu-raketu-novogo-pokolinnya-13380078.html