US Air Force completes first flight test of new hypersonic cruise missile
The US Air Force successfully conducted the inaugural flight of its HACM hypersonic attack cruise missile over Australia’s Woomera test range.
A major milestone was reached as the HACM hypersonic missile completed its first airborne trial above the Woomera range in Australia. The test was overseen by the US Air Force, which hopes the program will stay on track for a rapid deployment. Recent months saw the project fall behind schedule, prompting a reduction in the number of planned tests. Officials aim to field the weapon by 2027 despite the compressed timeline.
Why it matters
It shows the US is advancing hypersonic weapons despite schedule pressures, affecting future military capabilities.
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hypersonic missileHACMflight testWoomera rangedeployment timelineUS Air Forceweapon development
