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Air Force Special Operations Command said it has cleared a new small cruise missile, the AGM-190A Havoc Spear, for broader operational use after a combat evaluation this spring demonstrated the weapon met its performance requirements.
AFSOC described Havoc Spear as a modular, mission-configurable cruise missile intended for rapid, comparatively low-cost production. The weapon was employed from an AFSOC aircraft in a test configuration during the evaluation and satisfied the command’s need for a small cruise missile, according to the announcement.
“Havoc Spear’s range and capabilities expands standoff options, giving commanders a versatile tool to neutralize threats without putting platforms or personnel in immediate danger,” said Lt. Gen. Mike Conley, AFSOC commander. “It’s also not lost on us the value of being able to test a new weapon system in combat — and prove its success on the battlefield early on in the process.”
AFSOC partnered with U.S. Africa Command to conduct the combat evaluation in that theater. “We work every day to disrupt the networks that have made Africa the epicenter of global terrorism,” said Gen. Dagvin Anderson, AFRICOM commander.
“These successful operational assessments prove we will continue to bring the unique capabilities only the U.S. can provide in order to defend U.S. interests alongside our partners.”
U.S. Special Operations Command led the weapon’s acquisition effort with industry through a cooperative research and development agreement, a pathway the services use to move more quickly than standard procurement timelines. “To outpace our adversaries, we can’t rely on traditional acquisition pipelines,” said Col. Robert Johnston, AFSOC director of strategic plans, programs and requirements. “AFSOC is eager to explore more agile, lesser-known pathways to modernization to deepen industry partnerships, leverage calculated risks, and rapidly deliver capabilities to our warfighters.”
AFSOC said the capability is intended to boost strike options, complicate adversary planning, and help sustain an edge against emerging threats across domains as the command adapts to support the joint force. The service did not disclose additional details such as range, payload, or the specific aircraft used during the evaluation.
