California-based startup Mach Industries is developing a vertical takeoff precision cruise missile for the US Army’s maneuvering forces.
The Strategic Strike missile was ordered by the Army Applications Laboratory in the third quarter of 2024.
A design was finalized by the end of September, and testing began in mid-January.
The missile is being integrated with artificial intelligence and radio frequency sensing techniques for GPS and communications-denied environments, the company said in a press release.
A versatile strike vehicle will eventually be produced to carry mission-relevant payloads.
For Maneuvering Forces
The turbojet-powered missile has a range of 290 kilometers (180 miles) and carries a warhead of over 10 kilograms (22 pounds).
The range is reportedly policy constrained and could be enhanced.
Strategic Strike is intended for company and brigade-level maneuvering units to strike high-value targets, such as radar arrays and artillery pieces, well beyond the forward lines.
It will provide greater range and capabilities than mortars, towed artillery, and short-range kinetic capabilities the units are equipped with.
“The combination of VTO (vertical takeoff), high speed and range/payload is radically novel for the current fighting force,” the company stated.
“At the culmination of the contract, Mach will provide the warfighter with a VTO asset that has HIMARS range, cruise missile speed, and Hellfire effects.”
To Strike Beyond Forward Lines
The weapon’s development is in response to the emergence of man-portable intelligence and reconnaissance assets, which enables maneuvering forces to see farther than they can shoot.
“Presently, the elimination of high-payoff targets is a collaborative effort requiring the coordination of several services or levels of organizations,” the company added.
Strategic Strike’s range will nullify the enemy’s radar detection capability, enhancing the launch team’s survivability.
At Experimental Stage
When ordered in large volumes, the missile concept is likely to be cheaper than guided rockets such as the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System.
It is currently at an experimental stage and the Army Applications Laboratory reportedly ordered five units from the company for proof of concept.
“I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity to deliver a war-changing capability to our military, and impressed by the engineering and manufacturing team’s hard work – taking Strategic Strike from design kickoff in September to flight just 14 weeks later,” CEO and founder of Mach Industries Ethan Thornton said.
“I truly think the product team we’ve assembled here will drive generational value to the US at this critical time, and I’m excited every day to see the rate of product development continue to accelerate.
The entire Mach team is eagerly awaiting the day when the factory we’re prototyping Strategic Strike in turns on production and deploys them by the thousands to deter wars.”
