USAF Develops New ARRW Hypersonic Missile Variant for Anti-Ship Roles
The United States Air Force is advancing the development of a new variant of the AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW), designated as Increment 2. Despite previous cancellation attempts, the program has been revitalized with orders for operational use and significant budget allocation. The FY2027 budget request includes over $296 million to fund the design, testing, and evaluation of this new variant, which features an advanced terminal seeker and data link capabilities. These upgrades aim to enable the hypersonic missile to engage moving targets, specifically enemy naval vessels, enhancing its utility in potential high-end conflicts in the Pacific region against China. The ARRW utilizes a boost-glide mechanism, allowing it to maneuver at hypersonic speeds and penetrate sophisticated air defense systems. Currently integrated with B-52 and B-1 bombers, this weapon system provides critical standoff strike capabilities against time-sensitive, high-value targets in anti-access environments. This development marks a strategic shift towards maritime strike capabilities, leveraging prior prototype successes demonstrated by the Air Force and DARPA to ensure fielding viability.
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