California-based startup Mach Industries is making significant strides in the development of a vertical takeoff precision cruise missile designed specifically for the maneuvering forces of the US Army. The missile, known as the Strategic Strike, has captured attention since it was ordered by the Army Applications Laboratory in the third quarter of 2024. Following a finalized design at the end of September, the company has already commenced testing as of mid-January.
One of the key innovations of the Strategic Strike missile is its integration of artificial intelligence and advanced radio frequency sensing techniques, which enhance performance in environments where GPS signals and other communications are compromised. This technological advancement positions the missile as a critical asset for military operations in challenging conditions.
The Strategic Strike missile is powered by a turbojet engine, boasting an operational range of 290 kilometers (180 miles) and capable of carrying a warhead weighing over 10 kilograms (22 pounds). The current range, however, is subject to policy constraints and has the potential for enhancements. It is specifically designed for use by company and brigade-level maneuvering units, allowing them to target high-value enemy assets such as radar installations and artillery units, significantly extending their operational reach.
This cutting-edge weapon system promises to deliver greater effectiveness compared to traditional artillery options, including mortars and towed artillery systems that these units typically rely on. Mach Industries emphasizes that the combination of vertical takeoff capabilities, speed, and payload capacity represents a groundbreaking advancement for the current fighting force. As articulated by company officials, the end goal is to provide troops with a weapon that combines the range of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), the speed of a cruise missile, and the precision strike capability of Hellfire missiles.
The development of the Strategic Strike missile responds to the growing sophistication of man-portable intelligence and reconnaissance technologies, which allow maneuvering forces to detect targets at distances greater than their current strike capabilities. Presently, neutralizing high-value targets often necessitates coordination across various military branches and levels of command. The enhanced range of the Strategic Strike is expected to help circumvent enemy radar systems, significantly improving the survivability of launch units.
Currently in the experimental phase, Mach Industries has received an initial order of five units from the Army Applications Laboratory for proof of concept testing. As the project progresses, there are expectations that when produced in larger quantities, the Strategic Strike missile could be more cost-effective than existing guided rocket systems such as the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System.
Ethan Thornton, CEO and founder of Mach Industries, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to provide a transformative capability to the US military. He praised the hard work of the engineering and manufacturing teams responsible for rapidly moving the Strategic Strike project from the design phase to initial flight tests in just 14 weeks. Thornton is optimistic about the assembly of a product team that will deliver enduring value to the military during this critical period, eagerly anticipating the day when mass production can commence to help deter future conflicts.
