New Mexico defence company Applied Research Associates (ARA) has been engaged in a 24-month contract to serve as the system design agent for the development of a prototype air-to-ground Next Generation Penetrator weapon system.

The company is expected to produce and test subscale and full-scale prototype munitions to evaluate capabilities against hard and deeply buried targets that pose critical challenges to US national security.

The US military currently uses GBU-57/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator bunker buster bombs on such fortified targets.

Under the contract, served through the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) and Eglin Munitions Directorate, ARA has established an exclusive partnership with The Boeing Company, which will serve as a key contributor.

ARA will lead design maturation, while Boeing will drive tail kit development and support all-up-round integration.

“We are honoured to continue supporting AFLCMC with innovative solutions that advance their mission,” ARA president and chief executive Rob Sues said.

“The ARA-Boeing Team has unique expertise, and this award emphasizes the trust that AFLCMC EBD places in ARA’s proven capabilities and long-standing commitment to excellence.”

ARA’s penetrating weapon systems have been validated through rigorous testing and operational deployment.