US special operations command clears AGM-190A cruise missile for operational use

US Air Force Special Operations Command has declared the Leidos AGM-190A Havoc Spear cruise missile ready for operational service, saying it meets the requirements to be fielded as a weapons system. The missile was previously known as Black Arrow. AFSOC describes it as small and low cost.

The command said the weapon has been evaluated in a test configuration and is ready for use aboard both special operations aircraft and conventional ones. Its range is reported at roughly 400nm (741km).

AFSOC commander Lt Gen Mike Conley said the missile's range and capabilities widen standoff options for commanders, allowing threats to be neutralised without placing platforms or personnel in immediate danger. He also noted the value of being able to trial a new weapon system in combat and demonstrate its success on the battlefield early in the process.

Africa Command took part in the combat evaluation work. USAF General Dagvin Anderson, who heads AFRICOM, said operational assessments of the AGM-190A in his area of responsibility were successful.

AFSOC released two images of the weapon. One shows it immediately after release from a Lockheed Martin C-130 tactical transport. The other shows a row of shipping containers being used as a target and exploding.

Earlier milestones include work towards testing the weapon, announced by Leidos in October 2024, after separation trials from a Lockheed Martin AC-130J gunship in December 2023. In March, Pratt & Whitney said it had won a follow-on contract to supply TJ150 engines for the AGM-190A effort.

The AGM-190A is intended for AFSOC's special operations aircraft rather than conventional fighters and bombers. Besides the AC-130J, the command's key fixed-wing platforms are among those expected to carry it.