The U.S. Air Force has awarded Lockheed Martin a $694 million production contract for the AGM-183A Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW), moving the boost-glide hypersonic missile from development and flight testing towards fielding. Initially intended for Boeing B-52H Stratofortress bombers, the weapon is designed for long-range standoff attacks at speeds above Mach 5.
The contract was awarded on 29 September but disclosed publicly in late October. The Air Force has not released the number of missiles covered, delivery dates or an operational deployment schedule, citing operational security. The award therefore confirms a production decision but does not indicate that operational weapons have already been delivered or deployed.
Lockheed Martin is expanding its facility in Troy, Alabama, by approximately 47,000 square feet to support ARRW manufacturing. The project will substantially increase production space at the site and support the use of advanced manufacturing, robotics and digital technologies.
ARRW uses a rocket booster to accelerate a hypersonic glide vehicle, which then manoeuvres towards its target. The B-52H has been the principal aircraft for captive-carry and flight testing, while future integration with the B-1B Lancer has also been considered. The production decision reverses an earlier Air Force plan to end the programme after unsuccessful flight tests and funding uncertainty.