Air Force successfully tests new supersonic missile

(NewsNation) — The Air Force Research Laboratory at Ohio’s Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and a defense systems contractor recently tested a new missile powered by a liquid rocket engine that can hit supersonic speeds.

“This project proves that we can transform and leverage our acquisition models to rapidly deliver critical technology advancements to deter and win in a future conflict,” Air Force Brig. Gen. Jason Bartolomei, AFRL commander and Air Force technology executive officer, told the Pentagon.

“We are not just building a single missile; we are forging a new path toward a cost-effective, mass-producible deterrent for the nation,” he added.

The successful test comes as the U.S. seeks to speed up weapons development.

“This flight proves that you can get a vehicle with a safe, storable and throttleable liquid engine in the air quickly and affordably,” said Chris Spagnoletti, contractor CEO. “We went from contract to flight-ready of an all-up round and propulsion system in just eight months.”

The test also comes as the Pentagon is reportedly seeking $200 billion in additional funds for the U.S. military operation in Iran.

The Defense Department is expected to deploy three more warships and roughly 2,500 more Marines to the Middle East as Iran fires on Israel and energy sites in neighboring Gulf Arab states.

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