The U.S. Air Force has released for the first time a short video showing the B-1B Lancer bomber equipped with an externally mounted AGM-183 ARRW hypersonic weapon.
The U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bomber equipped with the AGM-183A air-launched rapid response weapon (ARRW) was unveiled for the first time. The hypersonic weapon was part of a long line of capabilities for mechanics and was seen in a short two-second clip released on Edwards Air Force Base’s Instagram page on April 29, 2026.
ARRW on B-1B
It is unclear when the test flight with ARRW installed on the B-1B Lancer was conducted. The weapon will be installed on external pylons in the same locations that have already been used in the past to test the external delivery of JDAM bombs and carry Sniper targeting pods.
The US Air Force had already stated its intention to integrate the AGM-183 into the BONE (from its unofficial nickname “B-One”) several years ago. But until now, this weapon has always been seen on the B-52H Stratofortress, and the Air Force has not announced any tests on the B-1B.
Integration for the B-1B was also mentioned in the recent Fiscal Year 2027 Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) budget request. Specifically, this appears to be part of the Hypersonic Integration Program, which the service explains “successfully demonstrated the ability of the B-1B to transport a 5,000-pound class storage cannon and launch a proven weapon form from a Load Adaptable Modular (LAM) pylon.”
This specific phrase was also included in last year’s budget request, possibly referring to testing of the 5,000-pound GBU-72/B Advanced 5K Penetrator found at BONE in 2024. The new pylons, whose procurement was similarly mentioned in last year’s budget request, are intended to allow the B-1B to carry a variety of weapons off-site with fewer constraints than previous systems.
Hypersonic Integration Program and Expanded Weapons Integration
The Air Force originally planned to retire the B-1B by 2030, but now plans to extend the bomber’s life until at least 2037. Meanwhile, the U.S. Air Force is exploring ways to carry out long-distance attacks by equipping BONE with more weapons.
This is part of the Expanded Arms Integration Program and is described in the budget document as follows:
“Extended Weapons Integration: This funding supports the B-1B Extended Weapons Integration (EWI) program, a continuous improvement program (CIP) essential to maintain the platform’s combat relevance against sophisticated adversaries, providing the B-1B with speed and the ability to respond to future threats. The primary goal of EWI is to enhance the B-1B’s ability to deliver a wide range of standoff munitions, a critical capability for missions in conflict situations and anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) environments. Current efforts are focused on expanding the overall external transport arsenal, including but not limited to the Guided Bomb Unit (GBU)-72, Multiple Joint Air-to-Surface Missiles (JASSM) and Long-Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASM), Joint Direct Attack Weapons (JDAM), Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapons (ARRW), and Air-to-Surface Missiles (AGM-183).
A new beginning in 2027.
This program will integrate advanced weapon systems, including hypersonic missiles, by funding the engineering, software development, and comprehensive testing necessary to certify new weapon systems for safe delivery and use. By expanding the B-1B’s payload and mission flexibility, this program significantly enhances its contribution to the nation’s long-range strike portfolio, ensuring it remains a powerful asset capable of meeting future mission needs and improving overall combat readiness.
“A new beginning in 2027.”
The new budget request specifically shows that the Air Force plans to reintroduce the AGM-183 ARRW, requesting $345.7 million in FY2027 and a total of $1.7 billion through FY2030. The funds will be used for both ARRW’s Increment 2 program, which adds enhanced capabilities and new air-launched ballistic missiles (ALBMs).
The service has previously said it has no plans to continue the program after several test flights were plagued with problems. But despite this, the Air Force completed its planned test campaign, collecting data that will be used to further develop hypersonic technology.
The FY2026 budget request already notes the Air Force’s intention to use the new Load Adaptable Modular (LAM) pylons to use the B-1B as a test bed for hypersonic weapons. Boeing, which produced the new pylon, also said, “The Air Force plans to test hypersonic weapons in a short period of time using the B-1 and pylon.”
Boeing explained that the B-1 can accommodate six pylons, each capable of carrying two 2,000-pound weapons or a future 5,000-pound weapon. The pylons are installed on external hardpoints that were initially located on the B-1B and later removed.
The weight of the ARRW has not been officially confirmed, but is estimated to be around 5,000 pounds. This means the B-1B could one day carry up to six AGM-183 hypersonic weapons under its fuselage.
The U.S. Army previously stated that the ARRW is intended to provide an offensive high-velocity strike capability to destroy high-value, time-sensitive ground-based targets in anti-access/area-denial environments.
