U.S. Air Force Moves AGM-183A “ARRW” Hypersonic Missile into Production

The Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin a $694 million contract on September 29 to start low-rate production of the AGM-183A Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) hypersonic missile. The award follows a 2023 decision to cancel the program after multiple test failures.

USAF Orders ARRW Hypersonic Missile Into Production, The Same Weapon It Nearly Cancelled

ARRW development began in 2018 with a design contract up to $480 million. The effort built on the DARPA-Air Force X-51 boost-glide demonstrator and targeted a prototype by 2021. Early milestones included captive-carry tests in 2019 and a $988.8 million critical-design-review modification that year. The first launch attempt in April 2021 failed; two more attempts also failed before a successful test in May 2022. Funding gaps appeared in 2021 when Congress cut money for twelve missiles, and FY 2023 funding was eliminated. In March 2023, senior acquisition official Andrew Hunter warned the program would end without purchases.

Air Force Sends ARRW, Its 1st Hypersonic Missile, into Production

• Late Oct 2023: Resources shifted to the smaller Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM); ARRW cancellation was indicated.

USAF Orders ARRW Hypersonic Missile Into Production, The Same Weapon It Nearly Cancelled

• 2025: Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin told Congress the service intended to procure ARRW.

Air Force Sends ARRW, Its 1st Hypersonic Missile, into Production

• FY 2026: Budget request included $362 million, leading to the September 29 contract.

Air Force Sends ARRW, Its 1st Hypersonic Missile, into Production

• FY 2027: Request listed $452 million for continued production; still pending congressional approval.

Air Force Sends ARRW, Its 1st Hypersonic Missile, into Production

• FY 2028-2031: Projected annual procurement of $556-$621 million.

Air Force Sends ARRW, Its 1st Hypersonic Missile, into Production

Quantities remain classified as “controlled unclassified information.”

Air Force Sends ARRW, Its 1st Hypersonic Missile, into Production

ARRW is a multistage boost-glide weapon. A rocket booster accelerates the missile to hypersonic speed (>= Mach 5, ~3,800 mph). After booster separation, an unpowered glide vehicle maneuvers toward high-value, time-sensitive targets. The missile is too large for most fighters; initial fielding is planned for the B-52 Stratofortress and has been tested on the B-1 Lancer. Future “Increment 2” variants may add a terminal seeker and data-link for moving maritime targets.

USAF Orders ARRW Hypersonic Missile Into Production, The Same Weapon It Nearly Cancelled

• Gen. David Allvin (2025 congressional testimony) confirmed intent to purchase ARRW, aligning with FY 2026 funding.

Air Force Sends ARRW, Its 1st Hypersonic Missile, into Production

• Andrew Hunter, senior acquisition executive, previously warned the program would terminate without purchases; the 2026 contract addresses that concern.

Air Force Sends ARRW, Its 1st Hypersonic Missile, into Production

• Contract value: $694 million (Lockheed Martin).

Air Force Sends ARRW, Its 1st Hypersonic Missile, into Production

• FY 2026 allocation: $362 million.

Air Force Sends ARRW, Its 1st Hypersonic Missile, into Production

• FY 2027 request: $452 million (pending).

Air Force Sends ARRW, Its 1st Hypersonic Missile, into Production

• FY 2028-2031 projected annual procurement: $556-$621 million.

Air Force Sends ARRW, Its 1st Hypersonic Missile, into Production

• The exact number of missiles covered by the September 29 contract is undisclosed.

USAF Orders ARRW Hypersonic Missile Into Production, The Same Weapon It Nearly Cancelled

• Integration plans for B-52 and B-1 platforms are confirmed, but no timeline for fielding operational missiles has been released.

USAF Orders ARRW Hypersonic Missile Into Production, The Same Weapon It Nearly Cancelled

The FY 2027 budget request includes funding for “Increment 2” technology—terminal seeker, data-link, and cost-reduction efforts—linked to the Pacific Deterrence Initiative. Congressional approval of FY 2027 and later funding will dictate the pace of ARRW fielding and variant development.

Air Force Sends ARRW, Its 1st Hypersonic Missile, into Production