Pentagon wants a hypersonic cruise missile for jets, ships and bombers

DARPA issued a request for information on a Next Generation Hypersonic Cruise Missile that could be carried by fighters, bombers, ships, cargo-pallet launchers, and ground systems. The agency asked industry for concepts offering greater speed, range, altitude, and producibility than current designs, organized across four size and launch categories. The broad approach explores a common technology base for multiple platforms while examining cost, propulsion, materials, guidance, and manufacturing constraints. The notice is market research only and does not create a procurement programme, select contractors, or authorize missile production.