Havoc Spear is a mission-adaptable weapon built around a modular design. AFSOC said it can be produced rapidly at a relatively low cost, providing commanders with an additional option for standoff strikes.
The missile was launched from an AFSOC aircraft in a test configuration and demonstrated accurate and effective performance, according to the command. AFSOC conducted the evaluation with U.S. Africa Command inside AFRICOM’s area of responsibility.
“Havoc Spear’s range and capabilities expands standoff options, giving commanders a versatile tool to neutralize threats without putting platforms or personnel in immediate danger,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Mike Conley, AFSOC commander. “It’s also not lost on us the value of being able to test a new weapon system in combat – and prove its success on the battlefield early on in the process.”
The evaluation linked rapid weapons development with an operational requirement in AFRICOM’s theater. It also allowed AFSOC to assess the missile under combat conditions before making it available for wider use.
“We work every day to disrupt the networks that have made Africa the epicenter of global terrorism,” said U.S. Air Force Gen. Dagvin Anderson, AFRICOM commander. “These successful operational assessments prove we will continue to bring the unique capabilities only the U.S. can provide in order to defend U.S. interests alongside our partners.”
U.S. Special Operations Command led the acquisition of Havoc Spear on behalf of AFSOC in cooperation with industry partners. The effort used a cooperative research and development agreement to support rapid, iterative development outside conventional acquisition timelines.
AFSOC said the agreement provided a faster route for moving the missile from development into operational evaluation. The approach also allowed military users and industry partners to adjust the system during the development process.
“To outpace our adversaries, we can’t rely on traditional acquisition pipelines,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Robert Johnston, AFSOC director of strategic plans, programs and requirements. “AFSOC is eager to explore more agile, lesser-known pathways to modernization to deepen industry partnerships, leverage calculated risks, and rapidly deliver capabilities to our warfighters.”
AFSOC said Havoc Spear will expand standoff options while reducing immediate risk to aircraft and personnel. The command intends the missile to support special operations forces, the joint force and broader Department of the Air Force missions.
