The USA Air Force announced on Monday that the test firing of the AGM-183A ARRW (Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon) took place off the coast of Southern California on December 9. Lockheed Martin’s AGM-183A ARRW has successfully completed testing by the 412th Test Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

Test Squadron said that the launched hypersonic missile prototype exploded after completing its test flight and fulfilled all its duties. In addition, it is reported that the missile reached high speed when launched from the B-52H Stratofortress bomber.

Hypersonic missiles are capable of navigating at high speeds and manoeuvring during flight. Thanks to these capabilities, hypersonic missiles, which have become difficult to track and target, have become one of the most interesting defence systems in the world. After the steps taken by Russia and China in hypersonic missile systems, the USA is rapidly keeping up with the developments in this field.

Air Force Director of Armaments Program Executive Officer Brigadier General Jason Bartolomei said: “The ARRW team has successfully designed and tested an air-launched hypersonic missile in five years. I am extremely proud of the determination and dedication of this team to give our fighters a vital capability.’’

Last year, ARRW failed tests three times due to launch-related problems, and USA officials were harshly criticized for the failed launches and delays. The successful completion of the tests of the ARRW prototype this year has been promising for the USA Air Force.

Andrew Hunter, the Air Force’s Assistant Secretary for Purchasing, Technology and Logistics, told reporters in July that the future of ARRW is not just dependent on how well the weapon works, DefenseNews reported. “Obviously, you don’t buy something that doesn’t work, but even if it does, it has to make the right contribution to the overall weapon mix and highest priority targets. That’s what drives the Air Force’s decision-making process” Hunter said.