Leidos has selected General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) to manufacture critical components for the US Army and Navy’s hypersonic weapons programmes through 2031. The subcontract covers precision-machined components and cable assemblies for the Common Hypersonic Glide Body (CHGB), which forms the foundation of both services’ long-range strike capabilities.
GA-EMS brings previous experience in supporting the programme, having manufactured prototype glide-body subassemblies, hardware, and cable assemblies for a successful CHGB flight test in 2020. The company will use this technical experience to fulfil the latest manufacturing requirements.
Production will be conducted using GA-EMS’ existing workforce and facilities, which include specialised machining equipment and dedicated cable assembly capabilities. The company will also undertake component testing and inspection to ensure compliance with engineering specifications and quality standards.
US Army and Navy Expand Hypersonic Weapons Development
The agreement supports the US military’s broader efforts to develop and deploy hypersonic weapons capable of travelling at speeds of Mach 5 or higher. These systems are designed to deliver conventional strikes against distant targets while reducing the time available for adversaries to respond.
The US Army’s Dark Eagle, officially designated the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), and the Navy’s Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) programme both utilise the Common Hypersonic Glide Body. The weapon system employs a rocket booster to accelerate the glide vehicle before separation, allowing it to manoeuvre towards its designated target at hypersonic speeds.
The Army is developing Dark Eagle for deployment from mobile, ground-based launch platforms, while the Navy is pursuing ship- and submarine-based launch capabilities under its Conventional Prompt Strike programme.
Other US Hypersonic Weapon Programmes
Beyond the CHGB-based systems, the US military is advancing several additional hypersonic weapon initiatives to expand its long-range strike capabilities.
The US Air Force is developing the Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM), an air-launched, scramjet-powered weapon intended to provide an extended-range strike capability for platforms such as the F-15E fighter aircraft.
Meanwhile, the US Navy is pursuing the Blackbeard hypersonic weapon, developed by Castelion for carrier-based aircraft. In September, the service awarded a production delivery order valued at up to $200 million for an initial missile lot.
The latest Leidos subcontract highlights the importance of specialised manufacturing partnerships in advancing US hypersonic weapons development. By securing a supply of precision-engineered components and cable assemblies, the programme aims to support continued testing, production readiness, and the eventual fielding of next-generation hypersonic strike systems.
