The Black Arrow is a lightweight, 200-pound class missile designed for a range of kinetic and non-kinetic missions. It offers a cost-effective, mission-adaptable solution, and supports future upgrades through modular design.
The test took place under a Collaborative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) involving Leidos, the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), and the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). The trial also showcased real-time waypoint uplinks and command integration, strengthening its operational credibility.
[NEWS] Leidos completes successful test launch of a Small Cruise Missile.@Dynetics pic.twitter.com/8H9K7XqXHt
— Leidos (@LeidosInc) March 31, 2025
“Performing this test from an AC-130 platform while also integrating with the BMS provided aircrews and operators a chance to see how well our SCM worked,” said Mark Miller, Senior Vice President for Missile and Aviation Systems at Leidos. He later added, “Aligning to these stringent standards, while successfully demonstrating this capability from an operational aircraft, places us in a strong position to rapidly field Black Arrow if called upon to do so.”
Colonel Justin Bronder, USSOCOM Program Executive Officer for Fixed Wing, emphasised the missile’s operational relevance. “SCM is a key capability, rapidly advancing AFSOC’s ability to close long-range kill chains,” he said during the Special Air Warfare Symposium in March.
Since its inception in 2022, the SCM programme has gained traction for supporting the concept of affordable mass in strike weaponry. Leidos is applying model-based systems engineering alongside Air Force-advocated architecture standards and the Weapon Open System Architecture to deliver a flexible and efficient development process.
Black Arrow can be deployed in several ways, including ramp launch from C-130 aircraft via a custom Ramp Launch Tube, palletised launch, and conventional store release from fixed-wing aircraft. Leidos remains under contract with USSOCOM to continue testing and evaluation activities into 2025.
