First Release Of USAF’s New HACM Hypersonic Cruise Missile Has Happened Over Australian Range

The U.S. Air Force confirmed the first release of a Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile test unit over an Australian range, with the Royal Australian Air Force conducting the event under the joint SCIFiRE program. Developed by RTX and Northrop Grumman, HACM combines a rocket booster with a separating scramjet-powered cruise stage for long-range strike. The service aims to support a rapid-fielding decision in fiscal 2027 after reducing its planned flight tests from seven to five. Officials have not disclosed the test date, launch aircraft or whether the missile flew under its own power.