Overview
- At least one flight test of the Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile was conducted at Australia’s Woomera Test Range, a report said and a US Air Force spokesperson confirmed without specifying when the test occurred.
- Raytheon developed HACM with Australian partners and the program has moved from lab and ground stages into live flight trials.
- Reporting says the program suffered delays and that the Air Force reduced the planned scope of testing to try to keep a rapid procurement target for fiscal year 2027.
- Detailed technical specifications remain classified; media descriptions of HACM portray a two-stage design with a rocket booster and scramjet cruise stage and cite unverified performance figures near Mach 7 and roughly 500 km range.
- The test use of Woomera highlights US–Australian industrial and test cooperation and raises trade-offs for planners between faster fielding and less extensive verification, with potential effects on regional deterrence and defense planning.