US moves to fast-track hypersonic missile production under massive $2.7B deal

Defense solutions provider Leidos has been awarded a $2.7 billion contract to advance hypersonic weapons from prototyping to production for the US Army and the US Navy.

As disclosed, this contract unifies the thermal protection shield (TPS) and common hypersonic glide body (CHGB) programs, with the goal of streamlining development and accelerating delivery of this capability in alignment with the acquisition reform initiatives.

By integrating these programs, Leidos will help warfighters achieve greater efficiency and reduce production timelines. The effort will also support a reliable supply of components to meet operational demands.

The company has experience in guidance systems, sensor technologies, and precision munitions integration, helping to advance the nation’s hypersonic capabilities and strengthen its integrated air and missile defense.

“This contract is a major step forward in delivering hypersonic capabilities to the warfighter at speed,” said Leidos Defense President Cindy Gruensfelder.

“Our team is committed to supporting the Army and Navy in producing this critical operational capability.”

The combined contract is intended to transition the programs into a production-ready phase to support the Department of War’s initiatives.

Leidos has been the prime contractor on the TPS program since 2021 and the CHGB program since 2019.

Recently, the US Navy awarded a contract to Palladyne AI’s subsidiary GuideTech to develop an air-launched, near-hypersonic, long-range, low-cost missile.