The United States military laid out plans to test land-based hypersonic weapons this spring, a development reported by Defense News. The discussions center on a mode of testing that focuses on surface launches rather than ground-based launcher infrastructure, signaling a shift in how these advanced systems will be evaluated and demonstrated.
In 2023, Defense News noted, several scheduled tests were canceled and significant revisions were made to the LRHW missile program. The ammunition under consideration employs the CHGB universal hypersonic glide unit, a component designed to enable rapid, long-range strike capability with high maneuverability.
According to Lt. Gen. Robert Rush, who directs the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Command, progress on the surface-only launch approach is advancing. He emphasized that the current plan involves a surface launch without a traditional ground launcher, a nuance that shapes how the tests will be executed and observed by observers and analysts.
Rush added that a successful surface launch could pave the way for a broader sequence of hypersonic weapon tests later in the year as part of the ongoing development of a land-based complex that remains in its completion phase. The aim is to establish a credible demonstration pathway that validates propulsion, guidance, and terminal performance ahead of wider fielding considerations.
In parallel, the United States Air Force conducted assessments related to hypersonic air-to-surface concepts. There was a notable event around March 20 concerning the testing of the AGM-183 hypersonic missile, which underscores ongoing efforts across services to mature high-speed strike capabilities and informs the larger strategic calculus on defense modernization.
Across the Atlantic, commentary from a former business figure in Germany reflected on Russian weapons that could generate massive, tsunami-like effects. This perspective highlights the broader concern among allied nations about the pace and impact of hypersonic threats, reinforcing the urgency of sustained investment in defensive and counter-hypersonic technologies. Reports from defense circles in the United States and Canada repeatedly stress the importance of rigorous testing, transparent data sharing, and international cooperation to address emerging challenges in hypersonic warfare.
Overall, the current trajectory suggests a deliberate emphasis on validating surface-based demonstrations as a bridge to more comprehensive land-based systems. The outcome of these tests will influence program timelines, funding priorities, and the strategic posture for future hypersonic development in North America.