AFSOC conducts combat evaluation of Havoc Spear cruise missiles in Africa

The Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) has successfully conducted a live combat evaluation of the AGM-190A Havoc Spear small cruise missile. During the assessment, two missiles were launched from an AC-130J gunship, striking separate ground targets within the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) area of responsibility.

Developed by Leidos, the AGM-190A is a 200-pound-class cruise missile with a range exceeding 400 nautical miles. The weapon is a descendant of the GBU-69 small glide munition program and was developed through a cooperative research and development agreement initiated in 2022. The combat strikes were intended to evaluate the missile’s performance under real-world conditions, with AFSOC reporting that the weapon proved to be accurate, reliable, and operationally ready.

Following these successful assessments, Leidos is moving toward low-rate initial production, with plans to deliver 45 missiles by next fall. AFSOC aims to integrate the Havoc Spear across various platforms to enhance precision effects and modernize special operations capabilities.