The US Air Force has signed a $694 million contract with Lockheed Martin for the serial production of the AGM-183A (ARRW) air-launched hypersonic missiles and their introduction into service.

The AGM-183A ARRW hypersonic missile project with a hovering warhead is a key program for the creation of American hypersonic weapons.

The US military noted that the ARRW will enable US military aviation to equip itself with high-speed strike weapons capable of hitting targets from a long distance. At the same time, bombers will be able to operate beyond the reach of enemy missile defenses.

The adoption of the ARRW into service expands the ability to strike targets anywhere in the world, said General Kenneth S. Wilsbach, Chief of Staff of the US Air Force. This hypersonic weapon gives the joint forces a flexible tool for rapid response in the face of strong enemy countermeasures, he added.

According to the design data, the AGM-183A hypersonic missiles have a range of 1,600 km and a speed exceeding Mach 5. This type of missile is planned to be equipped first with B-52H strategic bombers, each of which will be able to carry four AGM-183As.

The report makes it clear that the agreement to start production of these missiles was signed back on September 29, but this is only now being officially announced.