USAF Designates Leidos SCM as AGM-190A

USAF Officially Designates Leidos SCM as AGM-190A

The US Air Force (USAF) has officially designated the Leidos Small Cruise Missile (SCM), known as Black Arrow, as the AGM-190A. This designation confirms the missile’s function in meeting the Department of Defense’s (DoD) requirement for cost-effective, flexible stand-off strike options.

Key Features of the AGM-190A

The AGM-190A weapon system has shown a standoff range of over 400 nautical miles. Additionally, the Black Arrow platform is designed to allow rapid upgrades for both kinetic and non-kinetic missions due to its modular hardware and open system software.

Development and Testing

Development of the SCM began in 2021, leveraging experience gained from the GBU-69/B Small Glide Munition programme. The company first revealed in March last year that it had successfully conducted a guided flight test of the missile from an AC-130J aircraft.

According to Leidos Defense Sector president Cindy Gruensfelder, “This capability will provide warfighters with the operational flexibility they need for today’s missions, and help them counter emerging threats in the future.”

Benefits and Future Prospects

The mission-adaptable nature and cost profile of the AGM-190A align with Leidos’ NorthStar 2030 strategy aimed at delivering scalable solutions for changing operational requirements. The USAF’s designation of the AGM-190A underscores its confidence in Leidos as a provider of proven, affordable stand-off strike solutions.

In related activity, the USAF assigned the designation AGM-189A to the Barracuda-500M cruise missile in September 2025.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the designation of the Leidos SCM as AGM-190A marks a significant milestone in the development of cost-effective, flexible stand-off strike options for the US Air Force. With its modular hardware and open system software, the Black Arrow platform is well-positioned to provide warfighters with the operational flexibility they need for today’s missions and beyond.

For more information on the AGM-190A and its capabilities, please visit our website.