In recent years, various plans and projects of the United States Armed Forces have focused on integrating a new generation of long-range air-to-surface weaponry. Among the most notable cases are the F-16 fighters and the new F-15EX Eagle II of the U.S. Air Force (USAF), with confirmation of studies to equip them with the new AGM-158 LRASM anti-ship missiles. However, these plans are also being applied to close air support and attack platforms, with the most prominent example being the AC-130J Ghostrider gunships, which operate as part of the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).
One of the most significant initiatives—now gaining attention due to newly released test footage—is the integration of missile-launching capabilities into the AC-130J platform. This was confirmed with the recent launch of the new Small Cruise Missile (SCM), also designated Black Arrow, developed by Leidos Dynetics, from this type of aircraft.
According to the company, the first test launch of the Black Arrow from the rear cargo ramp of an AC-130J took place in November. The announcement was accompanied by a video showing the missile’s launch sequence, gliding phase, and ignition as it proceeded toward the designated test coordinates.
This test is part of a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) signed between Leidos, U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), and Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).
Leidos describes Black Arrow as a “… low-cost, 200-pound-class, mission-adaptable delivery platform designed to enable incremental upgrades for both kinetic and non-kinetic missions.”
Development of the missile began in 2022 under the aforementioned CRADA, which not only aims to equip AC-130Js with new standoff weapons, but also other platforms such as the new OA-1K Skyraider II, to name just one example.
This is a notable detail, as Leidos highlighted that although the test was conducted via launch from the AC-130J’s cargo ramp using a Ramp-Launched Tube (RLT), other launch methods are also under consideration, including palletized systems or traditional underwing pylons.
With the successful test conducted in November, Leidos stated that the launch demonstrated the Black Arrow missile’s integration and compatibility with “… the aircraft, system performance, waypoint transmission, guidance accuracy, as well as integration with the U.S. Navy’s Surface Warfare Combat Management System (BMS).” They added that further tests and evaluations are planned throughout 2025, in line with ongoing contracts with USSOCOM.
Finally, it’s worth noting that the addition of these capabilities to the AC-130J may shape its future operational role. This consideration comes amid shifting U.S. strategic priorities toward the Indo-Pacific—where China is viewed as the primary potential adversary in the coming decades—raising concerns over a high-intensity, large-scale conflict scenario in which platforms like the Ghostrider may be considered vulnerable due to the proliferation of advanced air defense systems and stealth combat aircraft.
Video of the Black Arrow missile launch:
*Cover photo used for illustrative purposes only.
