Report highlights test failures as Pentagon races to meet operational goals for advanced weapons.
The United States is reportedly falling further behind Russia and China in the development of hypersonic missile technology following a series of unsuccessful tests. Lockheed Martin’s air-launched hypersonic missile has failed three consecutive trials, while both China and Russia have successfully tested their own hypersonic weapons.
The Pentagon had aimed to begin initial production of its hypersonic missile by 30 September, but setbacks are delaying progress, according to a Bloomberg report. Designed to travel at speeds over five times the speed of sound, hypersonic missiles give minimal reaction time for enemy air defences.
The US missile, estimated to cost approximately $1.4 billion, is intended to be deployed from a B-52H bomber. Upon release, it would separate and accelerate to hypersonic speeds as it heads toward its target. Currently, the project must pass additional testing, including the fourth and fifth evaluations of its booster motor by 30 June.
The Air Force is also awaiting the outcome of a review into the reasons behind the failed tests, with results initially expected in February. If successful, the next stage would involve a flight test of a fully operational hypersonic missile between July and September. Additionally, Lockheed Martin’s capacity to manufacture and deliver these advanced weapons must be thoroughly assessed.
Defence official Heidi Shyu, Undersecretary of Research and Engineering for the Defence Department, expressed support for the Air Force’s efforts to expedite the programme. However, she noted to Bloomberg that “the 30 September operational capability date is a very aggressive schedule.”
Despite these challenges, the Air Force remains committed to advancing the missile programme “while maintaining high standards of technical rigor.” Lockheed Martin secured a $480 million contract in April 2018, which was later increased to $986 million in December 2019.
The report also highlighted that Russia successfully test-fired its hypersonic missile before its invasion of Ukraine in February, and that China had previously flown a hypersonic missile 25,000 miles in just over 100 minutes in July 2022, according to US intelligence.
The three recent failures of the US missile occurred during testing of the missile’s booster motor after its separation from the bomber, further emphasising the hurdles the programme continues to face.
