U.S. Air Force Conducts First Launch of Operational Hypersonic Missile

A B-52H Stratofortress successfully released the first All-Up-Round AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) Hypersonic missile off the Southern California coast, Dec. 9.
This test was the first launch of a full prototype operational missile. Previous test events focused on proving the booster performance.
Following the ARRW’s separation from the aircraft, it reached hypersonic speeds greater than five times the speed of sound, completed its flight path and detonated in the terminal area. Indications show that all objectives were met, a U.S.A.F. release said.
“The ARRW team successfully designed and tested an air-launched hypersonic missile in five years,” said Brig. Gen. Jason Bartolomei, Armament Directorate Program executive officer. 
The 412th Test Wing at Edwards AFB, California, executed the ARRW test flight. ARRW is designed to enable the U.S. to hold fixed, high-value, time-sensitive targets at risk in contested environments.

The U.S. success comes after several failed attempts during earlier test flights.
So far, Russia has claimed monopoly in air launched hypersonic missiles. Its Kinzal missile, used several times in the Ukraine war has beaten Ukraine's defensive systems.
The ARRW's success will provide it with a conventional weapon to strike at high value targets in Russia should the Ukraine war lead to a direct confrontation between Moscow and NATO.