Lockheed Martin Secures Contract from US Army for Enhanced Hypersonic Weapon System.

On May 17, 2024, the U.S. Army announced that it had awarded American Company Lockheed Martin a $756 million contract to enhance its ground-based hypersonic weapon system, the Long Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW).
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Artist notional rendering of the Long Range Hypersonic Weapon. (Photo credit: Lockheed Martin)

The contract includes additional LRHW battery equipment, advanced systems and software engineering support, and comprehensive logistics solutions. This initiative aims to bolster the U.S. Army’s capabilities with a new class of ultrafast and highly maneuverable long-range hypersonic missiles that can be launched from mobile ground platforms.

The LRHW (Long Range Hypersonic Weapon) system, a testament to Lockheed Martin's cutting-edge technology, is designed to deploy the common hypersonic All Up Round (AUR), a key component of the U.S. Navy-managed Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) program. The system, comprising the Army canister, a battery operations center, and transporter erector launchers, forms a sophisticated and robust offensive weapon capability.

The Long Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) is an advanced missile system developed for the U.S. Army, representing a significant leap in hypersonic technology. It is designed to travel at speeds greater than Mach 5, which is over five times the speed of sound, making it extremely difficult for current defense systems to intercept. Unlike traditional ballistic missiles, the LRHW can maneuver unpredictably during flight, further complicating interception efforts.

The LRHW is intended to engage targets at long distances, allowing the U.S. Army to strike high-value or time-sensitive targets far from the front lines. This weapon system can be launched from mobile ground platforms, enhancing its flexibility and deployment options. The LRHW aims to improve the strategic and tactical capabilities of the U.S. military, offering a formidable deterrent and a potent offensive tool in modern warfare.

Steve Layne, vice president of Hypersonic Strike Weapon Systems at Lockheed Martin, expressed the company’s commitment to supporting the U.S. Army's hypersonic strike capabilities. “Lockheed Martin is proud to continue our strong partnership with the U.S. government for hypersonic strike capability,” said Layne. “With this contract, we will support the U.S. Army to sustain the Long Range Hypersonic Weapon System currently in the hands of U.S. soldiers, produce additional batteries for future fielding, and support flight testing.”

Building on its successful collaboration with the U.S. Army, Lockheed Martin delivered the first LRHW battery, known as Dark Eagle, to U.S. soldiers in 2021. This new contract further solidifies Lockheed Martin's ongoing role in addressing critical national security needs, advancing hypersonic weapon technologies, and ensuring the U.S. Army remains at the forefront of modern warfare capabilities.

The LRHW's deployment represents a strategic enhancement of the U.S. military's operational reach and response time, offering a formidable deterrent and combat asset in the evolving global security landscape.