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Asia Times
21-04-2025
- Business
- Asia Times
Hollow HALO: US admits defeat in hypersonic missile program
The US Navy has killed its next-generation hypersonic missile, slamming the brakes on a once-promising development program amid soaring costs, shaky performance and China's growing arsenal. This month, Naval News reported that the US Navy has terminated its Hypersonic Air-Launched Offensive (HALO) missile initiative, originally part of the Offensive Anti-Surface Warfare Increment 2 (OASuW Inc 2) program, citing insurmountable budgetary issues and underperformance. Rear Admiral Stephen Tedford, the US Navy's program executive officer for unmanned aviation and strike weapons, confirmed the cancellation occurred in the autumn of 2024 after a fiscal analysis deemed the system financially and operationally unviable. HALO was slated for 'early operational capability' (EOC) by FY29 and 'initial operational capability' by FY31, intending to counter high-value surface targets from standoff distances. Instead, Lockheed Martin's Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM), a component of OASuW Increment 1, will undergo significant hardware and software upgrades to bolster precision and effectiveness. Tedford underscored the US Navy's commitment to long-range weapons, prioritizing existing systems to align with national defense objectives. Industry insiders, including Northrop Grumman executives, signaled HALO's challenges during the Sea Air Space 2025 expo, with feasibility and cost concerns dominating discussions. The decision to abandon the HALO program reflects broader fiscal and strategic recalibrations within America's munitions industrial base and highlights the challenges in developing exotic, high-cost systems amid tightening defense budgets. It may also highlight the US military's incapacity for rapid, high-speed, precision strikes against heavily defended naval targets. In a March 2025 Atlantic Council report, Michael White highlights that capability, stating that a subsonic missile such as Tomahawk or the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) would take one hour to reach a target 800 kilometers away, while a hypersonic cruise missile can hit the target in less than 10 minutes. White also mentions that a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) can make the trip between Guam and the Taiwan Strait in under 30 minutes. Asia Times has previously noted that the Harpoon anti-ship missile's short range of 128 kilometers for standard models, lack of speed or stealth to penetrate modern shipboard defenses and paucity of launch platforms other than carrier-based aircraft forces US Navy air carriers dangerously close to battle zones, putting these valuable assets at risk. This situation narrows the US Navy's tactical options for striking modern warships at long distances. However, Asia Times has pointed out that stealthy anti-ship missiles such as LRASM offer distinct advantages over hypersonic weapons by combining low radar cross-sections and minimal infrared signatures with advanced semi-autonomous guidance systems. These features ensure survivability and precision in heavily contested electromagnetic warfare (EW) environments, where reliance on external intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms might be compromised. The LRASM's stealth attributes make it harder to detect and intercept. In contrast, hypersonic weapons can create detectable plasma wakes and light emissions. The capability to share data and execute coordinated swarm attacks further enhances LRASM's effectiveness. Its stealth and autonomous targeting capabilities offer effective tactical solutions, offsetting some lost advantages from HALO's cancellation. Yet, at the operational level, HALO's cancellation risks creating a capability gap to defeat anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) strategies. A January 2023 report by the US Congressional Budget Office (CBO) mentions that hypersonic weapons, launched beyond the reach of A2/AD systems with their atmospheric flight profile, enable them to evade midcourse missile defenses designed to intercept targets in space. According to the report, by flying lower and maneuvering unpredictably, hypersonic missiles complicate detection and interception by ship-based and short-range defenses, potentially neutralizing coastal air defenses, over-the-horizon (OTH) radars and strike systems early in a conflict. However, despite those advantages, a weak US hypersonic weapons industrial base may preclude the widespread adoption of such weapons. A report released this month by the US Congressional Research Service (CRS) mentions that the US Department of Defense (DOD) has not yet established programs of record, indicating a lack of approved mission requirements or long-term acquisition plans for hypersonic weapons. It also points out that the US testing infrastructure remains limited, with no current US facility able to simulate full-scale, time-dependent flight environments above Mach 8. Additionally, it says flight test schedules are continually hampered by limited hypersonic flight corridors, insufficient test ranges and limited support assets, hindering efforts to transition hypersonic prototypes into deployable weapons systems. In contrast, the LRASM may have a more mature production base. In an April 2023 article for Air & Space Forces Magazine, Chris Gordon mentions that Lockheed Martin is producing more than 500 LRASMs and JASSMs a year, with the defense contractor working to increase capacity to 1,000 missiles annually. In the same article, Dom DeScisciolo mentions that the LRASM and JASSM share many components and are built on the same production lines. DeScisciolo notes the missiles are designated as either type depending on customer demand. Strategically, canceling HALO undermines the US Navy's efforts to maintain technological parity or superiority with competitors like China and Russia, which are aggressively advancing hypersonic missile programs. Russia has already used hypersonic weapons in combat against Ukraine, though their effectiveness and overall impact on the ongoing war of attrition between the two are debatable. Similarly, China fielded the DF-17 HGV missile system in 2019 and tested an HGV that reportedly circled the globe before cruising to its target in August 2021. In contrast, despite intensive testing, the US has yet to field any hypersonic weapon. In a March 2024 statement for the US House Armed Services Committee, Jeffrey McCormick mentions that China now has the world's leading hypersonic arsenal, underscoring China's advances in hypersonic weapon technology. McCormick says two decades of intense and focused investment, development, testing and deployment have dramatically advanced China's development of conventional and nuclear-armed hypersonic missile technologies. However, some argue hypersonic weapons are overhyped and no better than existing weapons. In a March 2024 article for the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, David Wright and Cameron Tracy argue that existing weapons, such as ballistic missiles, already fly at hypersonic speed and that drag from low-altitude atmospheric flight could slow hypersonic weapons down more than ballistic missiles on a depressed trajectory. Wright and Tracy mention that hypersonic weapons emit substantial heat signatures during launch and flight, which could be detected early by satellites and other ground-based sensors, enabling potential interception. They also say hypersonic weapons have limited maneuverability, as immense force is required to change direction at such speeds and scramjet engine technology for that purpose is still immature. In terms of accuracy, they point out that the same guidance systems in hypersonic weapons can be used in maneuvering missile warheads (MARVs) and that the latter fly high enough to avoid the in-flight heating problems associated with the former. In line with those views, Wright and Tracy say that while the US can not yet build functional hypersonic weapons, it stands to question whether those weapons make military and fiscal sense, regardless of whether its near-peer adversaries build them.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Yahoo
Content Creator Arrested After Urinating on Grocery Store Food
Originally appeared on E! Online Kelli Tedford isn't flushing these allegations down the toilet yet. The 23-year-old content creator was arrested after posting "disturbing" videos of herself for at least four years contaminating items with urine at New Hampshire grocery stores, the Keene Police Department announced in a Feb. 21 press release. "During this investigation, numerous additional videos of Tedford were reviewed by investigators," the press release continued. "At this time, it appears likely that similar historic incidents occurred in Keene and surrounding communities where Tedford contaminated items and/or surfaces with urine." Tedford—who was arrested Feb. 21 by authorities for the Feb. 10 incident—was charged with Criminal Mischief as a class B felony, according to the police department. She was released on personal recognizance and is scheduled to be arraigned April 7. E! News has reached out to Tedford's attorneys for comment and has not yet heard back. The Monadnock Food Co-Op grocery store alleged that the incidents cost over $1,500 in "destroyed merchandise and cleaning costs." More from E! Online Travis Kelce Shaves His Beard After Super Bowl 2025 Inside Hairstylist Jesus Guerrero's Final Days Before His Death Zoë Kravitz Breaks Silence on Channing Tatum Split It also issued a voluntary recall on organic red quinoa, organic white quinoa, organic tri-color quinoa, organic cornmeal, organic polenta, organic coconut shreds and raw walnuts purchased between Feb. 10 and Feb. 15, the grocery store shared in a recall notification. "Upon notification from law enforcement, we immediately reviewed store video, identified affected products, removed them from our shelves and sanitized all surfaces," the recall stated. "We also reached out to members who purchased at-risk products." The announcement also emphasized, "No fresh produce, meat, seafood, prepared foods or refrigerated products were affected." "We have also been in direct communication with the Keene Health Department, which has confirmed that no ongoing risks remain," the notice continued. "The individual in question is neither a current nor a former Monadnock Food Co-op employee." Tedford isn't the only content creator to stir up controversy. Read on for more jaw-dropping influencer scandals. Colleen BallingerMyka Stauffer For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Yahoo
‘Content creator' filmed herself urinating on food at grocery store, leading to recall, police say
A 23-year-old 'content creator' is facing charges after she allegedly filmed herself urinating on products at a New Hampshire grocery store and posted the 'disturbing' videos online, prompting a food recall. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Kelli Tedford, of Keene, New Hampshire, is facing a felony charge of criminal mischief in connection with an alleged incident at Monadnock Food Co-Op, our sister station WFXT in Boston reported. TRENDING STORIES: Southwest flight, private plane nearly collide at Chicago Midway Airport Ohio law limiting bathroom use by transgender students goes into effect 4-year-old boy dead after being hit by semi in Ohio neighborhood The Keene Police Department said they learned that Tedford had recorded herself 'contaminating' items at the store 'with her urine' after receiving a report from an anonymous person on Valentine's Day. The business, with the help of police and the town health department, then rushed to remove the affected products from store shelves and issued a recall for three types of quinoa, cornmeal, polenta, coconut shreds, and raw walnuts. 'Upon notification from law enforcement, we immediately reviewed store video, identified affected products, removed them from our shelves, and sanitized all surfaces,' the store wrote in the recall notice. 'No fresh produce, meat, seafood, prepared foods or refrigerated products were affected.' The Monadnock Food Co-Op said it sustained a financial loss of over $1,500 in destroyed merchandise and cleaning costs, WFXT reported. An investigation into Tedford's history of content creation revealed that 'it appears likely' similar incidents occurred in Keene and surrounding communities 'where Tedford contaminated items and/or surfaces with urine.' Police noted that several of Tedford's videos appear to be recorded as early as 2021 and that additional charges could be filed against her. Tedford was released on personal recognizance. She is due in court for arraignment in April. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Yahoo
‘Content creator' filmed herself urinating on food at New Hampshire grocery store, police say
A 23-year-old 'content creator' filmed herself urinating on products at a New Hampshire grocery store and posted the 'disturbing' videos online, prompting a food recall, authorities said. Kelli Tedford, of Keene, is facing a felony charge of criminal mischief in connection with an alleged incident at Monadnock Food Co-Op at 34 Cypress Street in Keene, according to the Keene Police Department. Police said they learned that Tedford had recorded herself 'contaminating' items at the store 'with her urine' after receiving a report from an anonymous person on Valentine's Day. The business, with the help of police and the town health department, then rushed to remove the affected products from store shelves and issued a recall for three types of quinoa, cornmeal, polenta, coconut shreds, and raw walnuts. 'Upon notification from law enforcement, we immediately reviewed store video, identified affected products, removed them from our shelves, and sanitized all surfaces,' the store wrote in the recall notice. 'No fresh produce, meat, seafood, prepared foods or refrigerated products were affected.' The Monadnock Food Co-Op said it sustained a financial loss of over $1,500 in destroyed merchandise and cleaning costs. An investigation into the suspect's history of content creation revealed that 'it appears likely' similar incidents occurred in Keene and surrounding communities 'where Tedford contaminated items and/or surfaces with urine.' Police noted that several of Tedford's videos appear to be recorded as early as 2021 and that additional charges could be filed against her. Tedford was released on personal recognizance. She is due in court for arraignment in April. Anyone who witnessed suspicious incidents involving Tedford or purchased a contaminated item is urged to contact Keene police detective Don Lundin at 603-357-9813. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Yahoo
Online content creator arrested after videos surface of her urinating on grocery store products dating back 4 years
An online content creator has been charged with criminal mischief for allegedly making 'disturbing' videos of her contaminating store products by urinating on them, spawning an investigation and a product recall dating back four years ago. The investigation began on Feb. 14 when the Keene Police Department in New Hampshire received an anonymous tipoff regarding a woman – later identified as 23-year-old Kelli Tedford – who had 'posted disturbing videos to an internet site' of her 'contaminating items in a local business with her urine,' according to a statement from the Keene Police Department released on Friday. MORE: Search for man missing for nearly 2 weeks in national park intensifies Police immediately launched an investigation in cooperation with the local grocery store, the Monadnock Food Co-Op, and the affected items were removed in coordination with the health department, officials said. Monadnock Food Co-Op subsequently issued a voluntary recall for red quinoa, white quinoa, tri-color quinoa, cornmeal, polenta, coconut shreds and raw walnuts and affirmed that 'our community's health and safety remain our top priorities.' MORE: California fire captain stabbed to death in her own home 'While this was a highly unusual situation, we took swift action in accordance with our food safety and recall procedures,' Monadnock Food Co-Op said in their statement released on Friday. 'We have also been in direct communication with the Keene Health Department, which has confirmed that no ongoing risks remain. We continue to cooperate fully with the Keene Police Department and the Keene Health Department regarding this matter. We have strict food safety protocols and recall procedures in place. We are reviewing our security measures and procedures to further safeguard our store and customers." However, during the police investigation into the incident, authorities found 'numerous additional videos' of Tedford committing the same act over a four-year period, said the Keene Police Department. MORE: Man drives over 700 miles to set fire to home of man talking with his ex-girlfriend: Police MORE: K-9 killed in the line of duty laid to rest by hundreds of law enforcement officers 'At this time, it appears likely that similar historic incidents occurred in Keene and surrounding communities where Tedford contaminated items and/or surfaces with urine, as several videos appear to be recorded as early as 2021,' police said. As a result of this incident, the Monadnock Food Co-Op sustained an estimated financial loss of more than $1,500 in destroyed merchandise and cleaning costs. MORE: 26-year-old mother charged in alleged murder of 4-month-old son Tedford was arrested on Friday by the Keene Police Department and charged with criminal mischief as a class B felony, authorities confirmed. She was subsequently released on personal recognizance bail and is scheduled for arraignment on April 7 at the 8th Circuit Court in Keene. The investigation is ongoing, and police said that additional criminal charges are possible. Online content creator arrested after videos surface of her urinating on grocery store products dating back 4 years originally appeared on
