Mach Industries, a defense technology startup based in Huntington Beach, California, has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Army Applications Laboratory to develop a vertical takeoff (VTO) cruise missile, designated “Strategic Strike.”
This advanced weapon system is engineered to engage targets at distances up to 290 kilometers (approximately 180 miles) and deliver a warhead exceeding 10 kilograms (22 pounds).
The Strategic Strike missile aims to enhance the capabilities of tactical maneuver units by enabling them to neutralize high-value targets, such as radar installations and artillery positions, from beyond enemy radar detection ranges, thereby increasing operational survivability.
In mid-January, Mach Industries successfully conducted a full-performance, wing-borne flight test of the Viper, the vertical takeoff cruise missile developed under the Strategic Strike program.
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The company is now integrating artificial intelligence-driven visual and radio frequency sensing technologies into the missile system to ensure target engagement capabilities in environments where GPS and communications may be compromised.
Concurrently, Mach Industries is establishing a 115,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Huntington Beach to support the production of the Strategic Strike system and other defense technologies. This decentralized production approach is intended to bolster the resilience of the defense industrial base by allowing flexible scaling of operations.
Ethan Thornton, CEO and founder of Mach Industries, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation and national security, stating, “At Mach Industries, we are dedicated to developing cutting-edge technologies that enhance the capabilities of our armed forces and contribute to the safety and security of our nation.”
This contract underscores the U.S. Army’s commitment to integrating advanced technologies into its arsenal, aiming to provide maneuver units with the tools necessary to effectively engage high-priority targets in modern combat scenarios