DefenseNews.com
• Michael Peck
DARPA is developing a hypersonic cruise missile designed to evade enemy air defenses, responding to Pentagon concerns that existing U.S. missiles may be vulnerable. The effort signals a focus on increasing the survivability and effectiveness of U.S. strike capabilities against increasingly capable defensive systems.
Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons
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DARPA is developing a hypersonic cruise missile designed to evade enemy air defenses, responding to Pentagon concerns that existing U.S. missiles may be vulnerable. The effort signals a focus on increasing the survivability and effectiveness of U.S. strike capabilities against increasingly capable defensive systems.
High activity
The U.S. Air Force is pursuing an AI tool to reduce the labor required to manage Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile sustainment. The system would help personnel sift through data from roughly 60 sources, targeting a more efficient approach to maintaining the strategic weapons system.
DARPA has opened a search for next-generation hypersonic cruise missiles launched from fighter aircraft and bombers, signaling a focus on new weapon concepts and broader participation from emerging defense suppliers. The effort targets advances in missile technology and could reshape competition in the strategic weapons sector.
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The U.S. Air Force has awarded Boeing a $75 million undefinitized contract action for the BSU-111/B JDAM Long Range, a precision-guided munition designed to carry a 500-pound-class payload beyond 300 nautical miles. Boeing says the first production kits will go to the U.S. Navy.
The U.S. Army has issued a request for information on the Next Generation C-sUAS Missile, seeking an interceptor compatible with Raytheon’s Coyote launcher. The effort sets a target unit price below $150,000 as the service explores additional capabilities for countering unmanned aircraft systems.
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