US Air Force Tests Hypersonic Cruise Missile in the Pacific for the First Time
In a bold move, the US Air Force has conducted a groundbreaking test of a hypersonic cruise missile in the Pacific. This test serves as a clear signal to China that the US is still a force to be reckoned with in the realm of advanced weaponry.
On March 17, a B-52 bomber took off from Andersen Air Force Base on Guam and launched a full prototype operational hypersonic missile. This marked the first time such a test had been carried out in the Pacific, a significant milestone in military technology.
Testing the All-Up-Round AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon
The hypersonic weapon, known as the All-Up-Round AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW), was tested at the Reagan Test Site on Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. This location is nearly 1,600 miles east of Guam and was chosen for its strategic significance.
The ARRW is designed to target high-value, time-sensitive, land-based assets with its rocket booster motor and hypersonic glide vehicle. Traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 5, or approximately 4,000 miles per hour, hypersonic glide vehicles are incredibly difficult to detect and intercept, posing a major challenge to existing missile defense systems.
Challenging China’s Hypersonic Dominance
China and Russia have been leading the way in hypersonic technology, prompting the US to demonstrate its capabilities in the Pacific. China has been conducting tests of hypersonic glide vehicles since 2014, showcasing its advancements in this field.
By testing the ARRW in the Pacific, the US aims to send a clear message to Beijing that it remains a formidable player in the hypersonic domain. While this test may not immediately shift China’s trajectory, it reaffirms the US commitment to keeping pace with global competitors.
Future of the ARRW Program
While the future of the ARRW program remains uncertain, recent developments suggest that it may not be abandoned just yet. Despite initial plans to not procure ARRWs for combat use, there are indications that the Defense Department is reconsidering its stance on the program.
With ongoing analysis of flight test data and potential revival of the ARRW program, the US military is poised to continue advancing its hypersonic capabilities to match those of China and Russia. The recent test in the Pacific serves as a reminder that the US is not just an observer but a key player in the evolving landscape of hypersonic weapons technology.
