Although pockmarked with failures, cruise missile development is accelerating across the world.

Review of UH-60 crashes sought; Northrop to participate in AAR studies; Boeing wins Harpoon contract; and DARPA’s LongShot.

Northrop will combine its skillset in digital engineering with an “extensive knowledge in advanced technology weapons, autonomous systems and strike platforms to increase weapon range and effectiveness,” said Jaime Engdahl, Northrop’s program director for kinetic weapons and emerging capabilities. 

Newly formed Karman Missile & Space Systems, a large pure-play supplier for the space, missile, interceptor and hypersonic markets, is bulking up just weeks into its existence with the acquisition of AAE Aerospace, a manufacturer of high-temperature composites for the missile, interceptor, and space sectors.

Initial studies on a UK/French Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon have been completed, and an assessment phase is due to follow.

The U.S. Navy is adding 16 refurbished Harpoon Block IC missiles to its inventory to expand the anti-ship missile capacity of its Los Angeles-class submarine fleet.

With advanced air defense threats proliferating, the demand for advanced standoff air-launched cruise missiles is increasing.

A diverse mix of hypersonic and subsonic cruise missiles is now in development.