Mach Industries has announced a new partnership with the U.S. Army Applications Laboratory (AAL) to develop a vertical takeoff cruise missile named Strategic Strike. This contract, awarded in Q3 of 2024, will allow Mach to work closely with the Army on a precision-guided munition capable of taking off vertically, a capability that enhances operational flexibility and strike capabilities in challenging environments.

Mach Industries reports that the design was finalized by the end of September 2024, and testing for vertical takeoff into full performance wingbourne flight was successfully completed mid-January 2025. The defense tech company is currently developing AI-driven visual and RF (radio frequency) sensing technologies to enable Strategic Strike to operate in environments where GPS and communications are unavailable.

Strategic Strike has a reported range of 290 km, carrying a warhead of over 10 kg. At the end of the contract, Mach Industries has promised to deliver a vertical takeoff weapon that combines the long-range strike capability of the HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System), the speed of a cruise missile, and the firepower of a Hellfire missile—offering a powerful and versatile new tool for military operations.

The stated primary objective of Strategic Strike is to initiate launches from beyond enemy radar range, minimizing the risk of detection, and improving the safety of the launch team. This capability will enable tactical maneuver units to identify and neutralize high-value targets, including radar installations and artillery systems, from a distance well beyond the frontline.

The agreement represents a significant step for Mach Industries as it continues to position itself as a key player in next-generation military technology. 

Founded by Ethan Thornton while still a teenager, Mach Industries is an emerging defense tech company focused on integrating hydrogen-based technologies into military applications.
The company has attracted attention for its innovative approach to weapons development, receiving substantial funding from investors. According to Forbes (March 2024), Mach Industries secured an $85 million investment to develop hydrogen-powered weapons, a concept that has sparked both excitement and skepticism within the defense sector. The company is now expanding its operations with a new 115,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Huntington Beach, California.