Mach Industries has unveiled a vertical takeoff cruise missile, part of the Strategic Strike experimental program for the U.S. Army. This missile is designed to extend the operational range of small units with a reach of up to 290 kilometers (180 miles), a capability constrained only by policy rather than the missile’s technical specifications. Ethan Thornton, founder of Mach Industries, indicated that the missile will be significantly more cost-effective in mass production compared to the existing Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS). The Strategic Strike missile also has applications in countering drones employed by adversaries in ongoing military operations. As military requirements evolve, the development of such advanced munitions underlines a strategic pivot towards enhancing operational flexibility and effectiveness in various combat scenarios, reinforcing U.S. capabilities against emerging threats.
