📋 Tender Overview
Published Oct. 26, 2026 Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) -- B-52 Stratofortress crews from the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, and the 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, participated in hypersonic weapon familiarization training at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 27, 2024. The Department of War is developing hypersonic science and technology to ensure the U.S. can rapidly transition operational hypersonic systems. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Pedro Tenorio) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res The Department of the Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin a 694 million contract for the production and fielding of the AGM-183A Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon, Sept. 29, 2026. The contract was executed under the Department of Wars Enterprise-Wide Agile Acquisition Contract to modernize Americas Arsenal of Freedom. This milestone marks the formal transition of the boost-glide hypersonic missile program from prototyping and flight testing into production, solidifying the Air Forces commitment to fielding standoff, high-speed strike options. This is a turning point in our advanced weapons roadmap, said Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink. By moving ARRW from test to production, were providing our combatant commanders with a credible, high-speed strike weapon capable of penetrating the most advanced anti-access and area-denial systems. Designed to accelerate to speeds exceeding Mach 5 using a solid-fuel rocket booster before releasing a hypersonic glide vehicle, ARRW will enable Air Force assets to strike time-sensitive, heavily defended and high-value targets from standoff ranges. Fielding ARRW enhances our ability to hold targets at risk anywhere around the world, said Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Ken Wilsbach. This hypersonic weapon provides the Joint Force a flexible and rapid response option for highly contested environments. Further details regarding quantities and delivery dates will not be released to protect Operational Security. U.S. Air Force Logo
