U.S. Army announces hypersonic weapon Dark Eagle deployment schedule for 2025
- The U.S. Army has named its new long-range hypersonic weapon Dark Eagle after a successful test flight on April 24.
- Dark Eagle is designed to travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5 and will deploy in September 2025.
- The introduction of hypersonic weapons like Dark Eagle is expected to enhance U.S. military deterrence capabilities.
In a significant development for military technology, the United States Army has officially named its new long-range hypersonic weapon 'Dark Eagle' following a successful test flight on April 24, 2025. This cutting-edge weapon is capable of exceeding speeds of 3,800 miles per hour and boasts a range of approximately 1,725 miles. The weapon's deployment is planned for September 2025, with operational oversight assigned to the 3rd Field Artillery Regiment stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The Army emphasizes that hypersonic weapons like Dark Eagle are intended to provide responsive long-range strike options against various security threats, enhancing capabilities in modern warfare. Dark Eagle's design exemplifies a combination of speed, stealth, and power. By reaching speeds of Mach 5, it is engineered to effectively outmaneuver enemy defenses, complicating adversaries’ decision-making processes and bolstering tactical deterrence strategies. The Army's choice of the name ‘Dark Eagle’ also reflects the weapon's potential to neutralize critical targets, including anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) systems and vital communication infrastructure. Such capabilities are expected to play a crucial role in future military conflicts, reinforcing the United States’ strategic superiority. The weapon has been developed through a joint effort between the U.S. Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office and the U.S. Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs, showcasing a collaborative approach to enhancing U.S. military technology. The system features a Common Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB) and utilizes a booster developed by major defense contractors Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. Upon launch, the C-HGB separates from the booster to glide towards its target at hypersonic speeds, maintaining versatility while executing high-speed maneuvers. This advancement in hypersonic missile technology represents a significant stride in U.S. defense capabilities. Leaders within the military assert that the speed and accuracy of Dark Eagle are key attributes that will enhance national security. As adversaries continue to develop advanced missile technologies, the introduction of Dark Eagle will aim to provide the U.S. Army and Navy with robust deterrent options, transforming the landscape of modern warfare and operational strategy in defense initiatives.