Pentagon's hypersonic breakthrough: New long-range missiles successfully tested

The Pentagon has successfully tested two advanced long-range missile systems—the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) — further enhancing the US military’s strike capabilities.

On December 12, a crucial flight test was conducted at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, showcasing the LRHW, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The hypersonic missile, part of a joint US Army-Navy effort, hit its target with precision, reaching its planned trajectory. This was the first successful launch for the LRHW, following previous test failures. The system includes a transport and launch container for the AUR missile and the C-HGB warhead, capable of speeds over Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound).

The LRHW is a critical component of the US military’s strategy to develop fast, maneuverable weapons that can strike time-sensitive targets in contested environments. The missile has an estimated range of over 2,253 kilometers and will be deployed on mobile, land-based platforms for the Army.

In addition to the LRHW, the Pentagon also tested the PrSM, developed by Lockheed Martin. Designed to replace the Army’s ageing ATACMS missiles, the PrSM will enhance the Army’s precision strike capabilities. Reports suggest that the Pentagon may test these missiles in a real combat scenario, potentially deploying them in Ukraine, where they could provide a significant tactical advantage.

The December tests are part of a broader push by the Pentagon to operationalize hypersonic weapons. The US Army's LRHW and the Navy’s Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) system, the latter of which will be deployed on surface ships and submarines, represent significant advancements. 

Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth and Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro praised the successful test, emphasizing the importance of these capabilities for the US military's future. Wormuth called the test a milestone that demonstrates the ability to provide cutting-edge technology to military personnel, while Del Toro highlighted the importance of maintaining global military superiority.

The Army and Navy’s collaboration on hypersonic weapons aims to shorten development timelines and reduce costs, according to Lt. Gen. Robert Rasch, Director of Hypersonics, Directed Energy, and Space for the Army’s RCCTO. This partnership is seen as essential to keeping the U.S. ahead of competitors, particularly with the growing global hypersonic arms race.

Pentagon officials have raised concerns about the increasing capabilities of adversaries, such as Russia, whose hypersonic weapons, including the Oreshnik missile, have been used in Ukraine. This latest US test comes at a time when hypersonic missile systems are becoming a key element of military strategy worldwide.

With the successful tests, the US Army is one step closer to deploying these advanced systems. The LRHW is expected to be operational within the next few years, while the Navy's CPS is slated for deployment on Zumwalt-class destroyers by 2025 and Virginia-class submarines by 2028. These systems are designed to enhance the US military’s ability to strike targets in heavily defended areas with unmatched precision and speed, ensuring the US maintains its technological advantage in future conflicts.

By Tamilla Hasanova