Hypersonic Missile Innovation

U.S. Army, Navy Continue Tests of Hypersonic Missiles

In March 2026, the U.S. Army and Navy successfully conducted a joint test launch of a common hypersonic missile from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This inter-service partnership aims to field a survivable, Mach 5+ weapon system that accelerates delivery timelines and reduces costs for defeating high-value, heavily defended targets.
The U.S. Army's Portfolio Acquisition Executive Fires, in partnership with the U.S. Navy's Portfolio Acquisition Executive Strategic Systems Programs, conducted a successful launch of a common hypersonic missile in March 2026.

We are developing game-changing hypersonic solutions to ensure our customers are always ready for what’s ahead.

Traveling at Mach 5 and beyond – more than a mile per second – is the new standard for modern national defense. For over 60 years, Lockheed Martin has pioneered advanced hypersonic technology, transforming decades of research into active, deployable systems on today's battlefield. As hypersonic capabilities become increasingly critical for the nation and its allies, our world-class workforce and continuous investments allow us to deliver these capabilities faster than anyone else.

We are leveraging decades of experience to shape a new warfighting dynamic. We collaborate with global allies and strategic industry partners to develop integrated systems designed to detect, track and defeat complex, fast-moving threats. Our proactive approach ensures that the warfighter is always equipped with the predictive tools and defensive capabilities needed to counter the evolving threat landscape.

At the core of our mission is a robust portfolio of 21st Century Security® systems engineered for durability and rapid upgradability. These innovative technologies protect our nation and its allies against immediate dangers while seamlessly evolving to neutralize the emerging threats of tomorrow. Through sustained investment and proven expertise, Lockheed Martin continues to mature the hypersonic solutions required to safeguard global security.

Hypersonic Weapon Systems

Advanced missile and hypersonic vehicle technologies will enhance end-to-end strike force systems, increasing the potential for deterring future threats.

ARRW

Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW)

The Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) program combines critical high-speed flight technologies and accelerates the weaponization of air-to-ground hypersonic strike capabilities for the U.S. Air Force.

CPS

Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS)

CPS is a hypersonic boost-glide missile development and test program that provides longer range, shorter flight times, and high survivability against enemy defenses.

LRHW

Long Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW)

LRHW will leverage the common hypersonic glide body and introduce a new class of ultrafast and maneuverable long-range missiles with the ability to launch from ground mobile platforms.

Fast. Precise. Unstoppable.

Blink and you'll miss it! The average blink takes about 300 milliseconds. In that same amount of time, a hypersonic missile can fly the length of seven football fields. 

Discover new information about hypersonics, both space and air, in the latest episode of 60-Sec Tech: 

Solving Hypersonic Challenges

Hypersonic systems are a game-changer for national security. Creating hypersonic technology presents several tough, complex engineering challenges. Hypersonic systems will travel at Mach 5 and potentially even faster. To give you an idea, at Mach 5, you’re traveling over a mile per second. Creating a system that fast means overcoming a number of difficult engineering and physics challenges:

Heat

Heat

At hypersonic speeds, friction and air resistance create an incredible amount of heat, which needs to be managed through tough but lightweight heat shields and thermal protection systems.
Innovative Materials

Innovative Materials

Managing extreme heat and speed means applying advanced materials and composites that can withstand extreme environments.
Maneuverability

Maneuverability

Hypersonic systems are designed to operate in contested environments and must be capable of overcoming a wide range of defenses. 
Accuracy

Accuracy

A system moving at a mile every second needs to operate with an incredible degree of precise maneuverability. 
Communication

Communication

Basic operations, like communications, become a significant challenge during hypersonic flight. A system must maintain connectivity to operators and decision-makers through communications and sensor systems.

Investing in the American Hypersonics Workforce

Lockheed Martin is aggressively investing in hypersonic development and in the American hypersonics workforce and supply pipeline.  

Digital Factories

Over the past two years, we have launched a factory site for hypersonic production in Courtland, Alabama and enhanced our development capability at Grand Prairie, Texas to support multiple hypersonic programs.

University Engagement

 

University Engagement

We are working with a network of universities to establish new curricula for future hypersonics professionals, develop partnerships with professors and students, and develop professional training tools for our current employees.

Skunk Works Innovation

Just like most Skunk Works® projects, the team supporting the film and the development of the Darkstar aircraft continued their work in secrecy. Our Skunks worked with the film production team to understand their needs, then quietly worked on the design and build until the concept was revealed to the world in the film.

Latest News   ___
Apr 15, 2026
Story
How Lockheed Martin’s Startup‑Style Team Built a Hypersonic Defense System in 36 Months
Apr 02, 2026
Third Party Article
The Army and Navy successfully launched a common hypersonic missile from Cape Canaveral, advancing land and sea-based defense capabilities.
Jan 14, 2026
Press Release
In a series of tests, GE Aerospace and Lockheed Martin demonstrated the viability of a liquid-fueled rotating detonation ramjet for use in hypersonic missiles.
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