In the US, AFSOC wants to integrate Havoc Spear on as many platforms as possible
In the United States, the US Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) seeks to integrate the new Leidos-made AGM-190A Havoc Spear cruise missile onto as many special operations forces and conventional aviation platforms as possible. This was reported by Breaking Defense after the missile’s combat use in the area of responsibility of US Africa Command (AFRICOM).
Combat evaluation of the missile
According to AFSOC, two missiles were launched from an AC-130J during a combat evaluation, striking two separate targets in AFRICOM’s area of responsibility. The date of the operation was not disclosed. Colonel Robert Johnston, AFSOC director of strategic planning, programs and requirements, said the command wants to use the missile on special operations forces platforms and conventional platforms, employing different launch methods.
Leidos says the 200-pound-class Havoc Spear has a range of more than 400 nautical miles, or 460 miles. Josh Cantera, a representative of AFSOC’s requirements division, noted that the estimated cost of one AGM-190A at the initial low-rate production stage is about $600,000. Development of the missile began in 2022 under a cooperative research and development agreement with Leidos.
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Production and testing
US Special Operations Command signed a $27.2 million Havoc Spear contract with Leidos on July 8. According to Cantera, missiles ordered under this contract are expected to begin arriving around next fall. In the near future, AFSOC plans to train crews to employ the AGM-190A and increase production jointly with the company.
The high tempo of current operations limits the number of platforms AFSOC can involve in testing. The command is considering various air-launch options, including from the cargo ramp of C-130 aircraft of different variants or from pylons. Leidos Chief Technology Officer Doug Jones said the company’s production facilities in Huntsville, Alabama, can produce up to 15,000 Havoc Spears annually. The company is also working on non-kinetic and palletized versions of the missile.
