U.S. Navy Prepares Compact Agile Interceptor for Hypersonic Missile Defense Tests

 The U.S. Navy is gearing up for flight tests of the Compact Agile Interceptor (CAI), a new surface-launched missile designed to enhance missile defense capabilities, especially against hypersonic threats. This compact interceptor aims to increase the number of missiles that can be packed into the Mark 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) cells, addressing concerns over missile inventory size and VLS cell capacity. As the production of SM-6 and RIM-162 ESSM Block II missiles ramps up into the late 2020s, the Navy is focusing on optimizing space and performance.

The CAI is designed to fit multiple small diameter missiles into one Mark 41 VLS cell while maintaining the ability to intercept complex hypersonic raids. This addition will complement the existing SM-6 Dual I/II and SM-6 Block IB missiles, which are also capable of countering hypersonic threats.

A leading candidate for the CAI program is Lockheed Martin’s Patriot Advanced Capability 3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE). This missile, with a diameter of roughly 11.4 inches, has already been tested in a virtualized Aegis environment and has seen action in Ukraine against hypersonic missiles like the Kh-47M2 ‘Kinzhal’ and 3M22 ‘Zircon’. Despite its smaller diameter, Lockheed Martin aims to integrate it into the Navy's systems without major modifications, ruling out dual-packing for now.

According to U.S. Navy budget documents for FY2025, the propulsion concept for the CAI has been selected, and plans are underway to procure 2-3 flight test units this year. Various propulsion options, including highly loaded grain propellants and solid fuel ramjets, are being considered for the program.

While the PAC-3 MSE currently does not meet the dual-packing requirement, modifications to the control surfaces could allow it to fit two missiles per VLS cell, doubling the magazine capacity. Lockheed Martin has expressed interest in investing in the current missile capabilities rather than redesigning it extensively.

The exact propulsion system for the CAI remains undisclosed, but flight tests are scheduled to begin in FY2025, starting in October of this year.

US Navy Tests Air-Launched SM-6 Missile on F/A-18 Super Hornet Amid Rising Threats

 

The U.S. Navy’s Air Test and Evaluation Squadron VX-9 “Vampires” has been observed testing the RIM-174 ERAM (SM-6) missile on one of their F/A-18 Super Hornets once again. Stationed at Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake, VX-9 operates a diverse fleet including F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, and F-35C Lightning IIs.

Previously, in 2021, a VX-31 F/A-18F was seen carrying an inert SM-6 without its MK72 first-stage booster, leading to speculation about the missile's potential as a new long-range air-to-air weapon. This idea was reinforced by Raytheon’s classified Long-Range Engagement Weapon (LREW) program for the U.S. Air Force and Navy, which aims to develop advanced long-range air-to-air missile technology. The LREW program incorporates proven components from existing systems with new technologies to enhance performance, involving system design validation, wind tunnel testing, engineering assessments, and kill chain investigations.

Although the LREW project transitioned entirely to the U.S. Air Force in 2019, with Raytheon receiving a contract in 2022, the U.S. Navy has continued its efforts to integrate a long-range air-to-air weapon for its fighter fleet. Recently, a VX-9 Super Hornet was spotted carrying an inert SM-6 missile, as captured by aviation photographer @StinkPlove on social media platform X. The orange and gray SM-6 was mounted on the Super Hornet’s number 7 pylon.

This push for air-launched SM-6 capability aligns with the development of new long-range air-to-air weapons by the PLA Air Force, such as the PL-15 and PL-17, which surpass the range of current U.S. Navy air-to-air weapons. The surface-to-air version of the SM-6 achieves ranges of 130 nautical miles (240 km), with estimates suggesting potential ranges up to 250 nautical miles (463 km) for an air-launched variant. This enhancement would significantly extend the reach of a Carrier Air Wing (CAW), enabling it to engage distant targets more effectively.

The SM-6 utilizes an X-band receiver for guidance, making it compatible with the AN/APG-79 radar on the F/A-18E/F and the AN/APG-81 AESA radar on the F-35C. In operational scenarios, forward-based F-35C fighters could guide the missiles to their targets, while Super Hornets, launching from safer distances, could provide the firepower. The Super Hornets can also transmit fire control data via the Navy’s Naval Integrated Fire Control–Counter Air (NIFC-CA) datalink system.

An air-launched SM-6 capability would add another high-speed, long-range strike option for surface and land targets, enhancing the versatility of the U.S. Navy’s CAWs. This addition to the weapons portfolio would offer more flexibility for time-sensitive land attacks and maritime strikes, expanding the operational capabilities of fighter aircraft.

US Army to Deploy Typhon Weapon System: A Strategic Move Amid China Tensions

 

Amidst heightened tensions in the Indo-Pacific, the US Army is set to deploy a new medium-range missile launcher, aiming to counter China's military advancements. General Charles Flynn confirmed this development during a media briefing in Tokyo, emphasizing the critical need for long-range precision fire capabilities in the region.

While specific deployment details remain undisclosed, the Typhon system, capable of launching Tomahawk cruise missiles and SM-6 interceptor missiles, is speculated to be the chosen weapon system. This deployment marks a significant move, reintroducing such a system to the Indo-Pacific region since the Cold War era.

The development of the Typhon system addresses the gap in mid-range capability, with potential deployment locations including Japan or US territories in the area. However, challenges in gaining public support and Tokyo's counterstrike plans may influence deployment decisions.

Considering China's military activities and possession of numerous missiles, deploying the Typhon system could bolster deterrence against potential threats, particularly in areas near Taiwan and the disputed South China Sea.