Could US air force debut a radar-invisible jet by 2030? Maybe fastest in world?

Lockheed Martin's highly classified SR-72 project has reportedly encountered significant financial overruns, sparking both intrigue and speculation about the hypersonic aircraft's development progress. According to a recent Aviation Week report, the program exceeded its budget by an additional $45 million in the second quarter of 2024, bringing total losses since 2022 to approximately $335 million. Despite these setbacks, there are indications that the U.S. Air Force remains committed to advancing the project, with expectations of potential operational deployment by 2030.

Conflicting Reports on Progress

Opinions on the SR-72's development status are divided. While some sources highlight unavoidable delays and budgetary challenges, others suggest that the project is making steady progress towards realisation. Sandboxx News, covering the secretive development, notes that "while the SR-72 effort appears to have continued to progress under the classified veil since early 2018, word of these losses... all point towards the production of a new classified aircraft meant not for testing, but likely, operational service."

Potential Capabilities and Strategic Impact

If successfully developed, the SR-72 is anticipated to revolutionise aerial warfare and reconnaissance with unparalleled speed and strike capabilities. The aircraft is rumoured to achieve speeds exceeding 4,000 mph (6,437 kph), potentially making it the fastest plane ever built. Such velocity would enable the SR-72 to conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions and execute strikes with hypersonic weapons, all while evading advanced air defence systems.

Historical Context and Future Implications

The SR-72 is envisioned as the successor to the legendary SR-71 "Blackbird," which set unmatched speed records in 1974 but was retired in 1998 due to high operational costs and the advent of satellite surveillance. However, recognising the vulnerabilities of satellite systems, there is renewed emphasis on developing advanced aircraft like the SR-72 that can rapidly and covertly gather intelligence and deliver precision strikes. Experts suggest that the successful deployment of the SR-72 could serve as a strategic game-changer, potentially restoring U.S. dominance in hypersonic technology amid competition from nations like Russia and China.