The U.S. Air Force aims to revive its AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) hypersonic program, potentially moving it into the procurement phase. This initiative was highlighted by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin during a recent hearing with lawmakers.

In a statement to the House Armed Services Committee, Allvin expressed the intention to secure funding for both the ARRW and the Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM) in the upcoming fiscal 2026 budget proposal. He stated, “We are looking, and have in the budget submission — assuming it’s what we had put forward — two different [hypersonic] programs.” He described ARRW as a “larger form factor that is more strategic long-range” weapon that has been tested multiple times.

Hypersonic weapons, capable of traveling at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound while maneuvering midflight, present challenges for tracking and interception compared to traditional ballistic missiles. The development of these weapons has become a priority for the U.S., particularly in light of significant advancements made by China and Russia, who have heavily invested in hypersonic research and have already deployed such weapons, notably in the conflict in Ukraine.

Previously, the Air Force regarded the ARRW—developed by Lockheed Martin—as a significant contender in the race to develop hypersonic capabilities to match those of adversaries. However, following unsuccessful tests in late 2022 and early 2023, the program faced uncertainty regarding its future. In March 2023, former acquisition chief Andrew Hunter informed lawmakers that there were no plans to procure ARRW missiles after the end of its prototyping phase.

Despite these challenges, during the recent hearing, Allvin indicated a renewed push to advance both the ARRW and HACM beyond research and development stages, stating the goal is to transition them into procurement soon. He emphasized an acceleration in the development and procurement of hypersonic technologies.

Air Force Secretary Troy Meink reinforced the necessity of making hypersonic systems affordable to increase production capabilities significantly. He noted, “It’s got to be affordable. We’ve got to be able to buy more than 10 of these things,” indicating the importance of ramping up production to ensure a meaningful operational presence.

Stephen Losey, the air warfare reporter for Defense News, has a background covering military operations and related issues, drawing on extensive experience in the field.