Photo: Defence Connect

Raytheon and Lockheed Martin have been engaged under two contracts to develop a hypersonic air-launched offensive anti-surface missile for the US Navy.

Both contracts are worth a total US$116 million for initial development of the carrier suitable long-range, high-speed, and air-launched anti-surface missile, according to an announcement by US Naval Air Systems Command on 28 March.

Each companies will work towards preliminary design review of the propulsion system required for the weapon before the contract period of performance ends in December next year and each company’s preliminary design review works towards a prototype flight test.

US Precision Strike Weapons program manager Captain Richard Gensley said the weapon is expected to allow the US Navy to operate in and control contested battle space in littoral waters and anti-access or area denial environments.

“As threat capability continues to advance, additional range, warfare capability, and capacity is required to address the more demanding threat environment,” he said.

“Our team is leveraging science and technology and rapid prototyping arenas to support aggressive schedule execution.”

The program is part of the Navy’s Long Range Fires investment approach to meet objectives of the National Defense Strategy where hypersonic weapons are a top priority, he said.

The HALO predecessor, the long-range anti-ship missile, is currently fielded on US Navy F/A-18 Hornet and US Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft.

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