AFSOC Seeks Broad Integration of Leidos Havoc Spear Missile After Combat Deployment

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) is pursuing the integration of the Leidos-developed AGM-190A Havoc Spear cruise missile onto a wide range of platforms, following its proven effectiveness in a recent combat operation.

In an announcement, AFSOC confirmed that the Havoc Spear was utilized in a live combat scenario within U.S. Africa Command’s area of responsibility. The evaluation involved two missiles launched from an AC-130J aircraft, targeting separate objectives.

Col. Robert Johnston, AFSOC’s director of strategic plans, programs, and requirements, emphasized the goal of deploying the missile on as many special operations and conventional platforms as feasible, in various launch configurations. “The intent is to achieve widespread adoption across multiple domains,” Johnston stated.

The Havoc Spear, weighing approximately 200 pounds and boasting a range exceeding 400 nautical miles, is priced at around $600,000 per unit during low-rate initial production, according to AFSOC requirements staff. Development began in 2022 through a collaborative agreement with Leidos.

Johnston noted that while the missile was developed for Special Operations Command requirements, it aligns well with the Air Force’s Family of Affordable Missiles (FAMM) program, which aims to produce cost-effective munitions in large quantities. This potential synergy could facilitate bulk procurement and resource sharing.

A $27.2 million contract was awarded to Leidos for the Havoc Spear, with deliveries expected to commence next fall. AFSOC plans to employ the missiles operationally as opportunities arise.

Scaling up efforts faces challenges due to AFSOC’s high operational tempo, limiting available platforms for testing. However, officials are exploring various aerial delivery methods, including from C-130 variants and pylon mounts.

In the near term, AFSOC will focus on crew training and collaborating with Leidos to ramp up production. Long-term, the missile’s modular design allows for future adaptations in payloads and missions, though such developments are still in early stages.

During a briefing at the Air and Space Forces Association conference, Leidos CTO Doug Jones highlighted the company’s production capacity in Huntsville, Alabama, capable of producing up to 15,000 units annually. Additionally, non-kinetic and palletized versions are under development.

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