According to Leidos, the unified programme is intended to support Army acquisition reform initiatives and improve production efficiency for hypersonic weapons systems. The company said the integration of the two programmes is designed to reduce manufacturing timelines and strengthen the supply of critical components for operational requirements.
Leidos stated that it will apply its experience in guidance systems, sensor technologies and precision munitions integration to support the programme. The company said the work is intended to help advance U.S. hypersonic capabilities and reinforce integrated air and missile defence efforts.
Cindy Gruensfelder, president of Leidos Defense, said, “This contract is a major step forward in delivering hypersonic capabilities to the warfighter at speed.”
“Our team is committed to supporting the Army and Navy in producing this critical operational capability,” Gruensfelder added.
The company stated that the combined contract is intended to move both programmes into a production-ready phase in support of initiatives by the Department of War. Leidos has served as the prime contractor for the Thermal Protection Shield programme since 2021 and for the Common Hypersonic Glide Body programme since 2019.
According to the company, the contract also aligns with Leidos’ NorthStar 2030 corporate strategy, which focuses on technological innovation and defence capabilities. Leidos said the programme supports its broader efforts to develop advanced hypersonic and precision-strike technologies for future military operations.
The company added that accelerating hypersonic weapons production is intended to support current and future operational requirements for both the U.S. Army and United States Navy. Leidos stated that the programme represents part of a wider push to strengthen national security capabilities through advanced weapons development.
