Leidos Dynetics AGM-190 Black Arrow

Leidos Dynetics began the development of what it called the Small Cruise Missile (SCM) in 2021, based on its experience with the GBU-69/B Small Glide Munition. In 2022, an agreement was signed with SOCOM (Special Operations Command) to develop SCM as a low-cost adaptable "delivery platform". The missile has since been named Black Arrow by Leidos.

Initial development and testing focused on delivering Black Arrow from AC-130J aircraft by ejecting it off the cargo ramp from a transport-and-launch canister. The first guided flight test was conducted in October 2024, and by May 2025, a range of 740 km (400 nm) had been demonstrated. In November that year, the SCM was designated as AGM-190A.

Photo: SOCOM

AGM-190A

Little solid information on the Black Arrow SCM has been published. The missile is in the 90 kg (200 lb) class, and is powered by a Pratt&Whitney TJ150-7 turbojet. Leidos says that its navigation system can also operate in GPS-denied environments, and that the missile has some kind of terminal guidance, but details of both have not been revealed.

Specifications

Note: Data given by several sources show slight variations. Figures given below may therefore be inaccurate!

Data for AGM-190A:

Main Sources

[1] Air&Space Forces Magazine, John A. Tirpak: Leidos Says New ‘Black Arrow’ Small Cruise Missile Is Ready for Flight Test, October 2024
[2] The War Zone, T. Newdick/H. Altman: AC-130 Gunship-Launched Black Arrow Small Cruise Missile Has A 400-Mile Range, May 2025
[3] The War Zone, T. Newdick/H. Altman: Tiny Black Arrow Cruise Missile Demonstrates A Whopping 400-Mile Range, September 2025

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Last Updated: 1 February 2026