Air-Launched Hypersonic Missiles

Latest in Air-Launched Hypersonic Missiles

A contract the U.S. Navy recently awarded to defense startup Castelion may point to its pursuit of a new, lower-cost, air-launched hypersonic strike weapon.
Air-Launched Hypersonic Missiles

U.S. Navy Air-Launched Version Of ‘Cheap’ Blackbeard Hypersonic Missile Hinted At

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Oct 27, 2025

The U.S. Air Force is working to combine an aerial target designed to simulate ballistic threats and a liquid-fuel rocket motor into a new, lower-cost hypersonic missile dubbed Angry Tortoise.
Air-Launched Hypersonic Missiles

Angry Tortoise Liquid-Fueled Hypersonic Missile In Development For USAF

By Joseph Trevithick, Hope Hodge Seck

Posted on Sep 26, 2025

The U.S. military was totally unaware of the unprecedented Israeli airstrike on a Hamas compound in Doha, Qatar, earlier this month, one of its senior leaders has confirmed. In the aftermath of the raid, there had been questions as to why the various highly advanced air defense systems and sensors, both American and Qatari, that would normally provide prior alert to an impending attack on Qatar had apparently not functioned as expected. Now we have a better understanding of what happened, from a U.S. perspective.
Air-Launched Ballistic Missiles

New Info On How U.S. Military Was Caught Off Guard By Israeli Strike On Qatar

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway, Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Sep 24, 2025

F-22s over alaska
Air-launched hypersonic cruise missiles

Homeland Needs To Be Able To Survive A “Punch In The Nose” According To Former NORAD Chief

Howard Altman Howard Altman

Posted on Sep 5, 2025

China officially unveiled a nuclear-capable air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM) called the JL-1 at its sprawling military parade in Beijing yesterday.
Air-Launched Ballistic Missiles

China’s JL-1 Air Launched Ballistic Missile’s Official Debut Is A Big Deal

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Sep 4, 2025

South Korea has presented, for the first time, imagery of its Hycore hypersonic cruise missile, showing the future weapon during its flight testing. The Hycore is part of a fast-growing arsenal of advanced weapons that Seoul is developing, primarily to counter North Korea. As well as the hypersonic cruise missile, South Korea is notably also working on an air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM) and increasingly capable sea-based ballistic missiles, including for launch submarine launch.
Air-launched hypersonic cruise missiles

South Korea’s Hypersonic Cruise Missile Emerges In New Test Photos

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Sep 4, 2025

South Korea is looking to develop a new air-launched ballistic missile, joining a group of nations that are looking to introduce this capability, or which already have systems of this kind in operational service. If successful, the program would likely see the weapon fielded on South Korea’s locally developed KF-21 fighter jet, which you can read more about here.
Air-Launched Ballistic Missiles

South Korea Has An Air-Launched Ballistic Missile Program

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 13, 2025

Turkey’s New Super-Sized Ballistic Missile Reflects Global Trends
Air-Launched Hypersonic Missiles

Turkey’s New Super-Sized Ballistic Missile Reflects Global Trends

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Jul 28, 2025

The U.S. Air Force is moving ahead to add new external pylons onto its B-1B Lancer bombers after years of experimentation.
ARRW

B-1B To Finally Get New External Pylons Drastically Expanding Missile Carriage Potential (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Jul 9, 2025

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 20: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office at the White House on May 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Trump announced his plans for the "Golden Dome," a national ballistic and cruise missile defense system. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Air-Launched Ballistic Missiles

Trump’s Golden Dome Missile Shield: What We Just Learned And Its Implications

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway

Updated on May 21, 2025

The U.S. Navy has halted plans to acquire an air-launched, air-breathing hypersonic anti-ship cruise missile, citing cost and industrial base factors.
Air-launched hypersonic cruise missiles

Navy Axes Its Hypersonic Anti-Ship Cruise Missile Plans

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Apr 11, 2025

China’s KD-21 air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM), a shadowy weapon that is widely seen as part of the country’s rapidly developing anti-shipping armory, appears to now be in operational service. The missile, carried by the H-6K bomber, made its public debut at Airshow China in Zhuhai in November 2022, but until now had not been confirmed as being carried by aircraft assigned to frontline unit.
Air-Launched Ballistic Missiles

China’s KD-21 Air-Launched Ballistic Missile Appears To Be Operational

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 1, 2025

U.S. Navy officials have laid out several priorities they say are key to ensuring the service's carrier air wings will be able to succeed in future conflicts, especially a high-end fight in the Pacific.
Air-launched hypersonic cruise missiles

Carrier Air Wing’s Key Priorities To Win In Future Pacific Fight Laid Out By Navy

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jan 30, 2025

Israeli has launched airstrikes on multiple targets in Yemen, including the capital of Sana’a, in response to an overnight missile launch from Yemen toward Israel. The Israeli raids come after an uptick in attacks against Israel by the Yemen-based Houthi militant group, including two in the past week.
Air-Launched Ballistic Missiles

Israeli Air Force Strikes Yemen With Popeye And Rampage Standoff Missiles

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Dec 19, 2024

A video and pictures have emerged showing testing of Chinese high-flying and high-speed uncrewed air vehicles related to a design called MD-22, including aerial releases from a TB-001 drone and a high-altitude balloon.
Air-Launched Hypersonic Missiles

China Launches Hypersonic Test Planes From Drones, Balloons

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Dec 16, 2024

Mk 41 launcher MDA Guam
Air-Launched Ballistic Missiles

Tilting Mark 41 Launcher Emerges During Guam’s First Aegis Ashore Missile Defense Test

By Geoff Ziezulewicz, Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Dec 10, 2024