U.S. Navy cancels costly HALO hypersonic missile programme, shifts to LRASM

According to the original schedule, the HALO missile was expected to enter service in 2029 and achieve full operational capability by 2031. Following the cancellation, the U.S. Navy will now focus on and rely more heavily upon the AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM).

The AGM-158C is a variant of the AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM), developed between 2009 and 2017. It features inertial navigation and GPS guidance systems, as well as electronic support measures for enhanced targeting and survivability.

The missile is capable of altering its flight path before reaching the target and can respond to anti-air threats during flight. In its terminal phase, it uses an infrared seeker to detect and engage targets with high accuracy.

Weighing 1,250 kilograms, the AGM-158C measures 4.26 metres in length and has a wingspan of 2.7 metres. It is equipped with a 454-kilogram WDU-42/B high-explosive fragmentation warhead.

The missile has a maximum range of 370 kilometres and a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of three metres at that distance. The US Navy’s shift to the AGM-158C reflects a cost-effective approach to maintaining advanced maritime strike capabilities.