Air Force to Request $806 Million for HACM Missile

The funding in fiscal year 2027 will support the mass production and development of the hypersonic cruise missile program.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Military

Air Force to Request $806 Million for HACM Missile

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Should the U.S. government increase spending on military hypersonic missile development?

The U.S. Air Force has requested $806 million for the fiscal year 2027 to advance the Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM). This funding aims to finalize testing and ramp up production capabilities for the weapon system.

Why it matters

This investment seeks to accelerate the program and close the perceived development gap between the United States and strategic competitors like Russia and China. It also ensures the supply chain is prepared for the transition to large-scale manufacturing.

The Air Force is requesting $806 million for fiscal year 2027, including $412 million for Raytheon Defense Corporation to manage parts and development. Total program spending is projected to reach $3.12 billion through fiscal year 2031.

The players

U.S. Air Force

This branch of the United States Armed Forces is responsible for aerial warfare and the management of major strategic weapons programs.

Raytheon Defense Corporation

This major aerospace and defense contractor specializes in the design and manufacturing of advanced military technology, including missiles and sensing systems.

The details

The funding allocates $273 million for production enterprises to mitigate potential delays, while $89 million covers prototype assembly and flight testing. The F-15E fighter is designated as the primary launch platform for the new missile, which has been in development since 2022.

Development of the HACM missile began in 2022.
First flight tests were conducted with Australia in October 2026.
The budget request covers the period for fiscal year 2027.
Total program spending is projected to end in fiscal year 2031.

Political Context

Opponents of the spending often point to concerns over the ballooning costs of advanced weapons systems compared to traditional munitions. These critics argue for more rigorous oversight of long-term program spending to ensure technological capabilities do not come at the expense of fiscal stability.

While this program involves long-term defense expenditures, it does not directly alter individual tax brackets or immediate household costs. The primary impact for citizens remains the potential shift in national security capabilities and federal budgetary priorities.

The takeaway

The HACM program represents a significant move toward modernizing U.S. aerial strike capabilities through targeted investment in private sector manufacturing. Readers should monitor future defense appropriations bills for updates on the program's progress toward mass production.