The Air Force’s new Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile is slated for its first flight test this fall, according to Air Force budget documents.
The initial flight test of the HACM prototype will take place in fiscal 2026, the service’s budget request document said, noting the program includes subsystem qualification testing and complete integration, assembly, test and checkout.
“Efforts will also include initial flight testing of HACM prototypes and other risk data,” one document states.
The HACM will be launched from B-52 and the forthcoming B-21 bombers and will use scramjet technology for flying at multiple altitudes and with a maneuvering flight pattern. It will also be fired from F-15 and F-18 jets.
“It will carry a conventional warhead, allowing commanders to effect responsive strikes against high value, heavily defended targets with precision, emphasizing survivability and maneuverability,” another Air Force document states.
Because of its speed — more than five times the speed of sound — HACM will hit enemy targets “within minutes to a few hours” based on launch location and target distance.
“The speed and maneuverability of the missile are designed to overcome sophisticated enemy air and missile defenses, and it will be launched at standoff ranges from both penetrating and nonpenetrating bomber aircraft,” the Air Force said.
The weapon is needed to counter China, the Air Force said in a third budget document.
“The [Air Force] department is ready to deter and prevail against today’s threats, however, to maintain our advantage and improve our operational posture we must continue immediate and significant capability modernization to keep pace with the growing military capabilities of China,” the document said.
Funding for HACM will increase to $802 million in 2026, a sharp increase from $354 million spent in 2025.
The Air Force is building a second hypersonic missile, a glider launched atop an Army long-range ATACMs missile, called the Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon, that was unfunded two years ago but will receive $387 million in 2026.
