Army to deploy first hypersonic missile battery by 2025

The United States Army is making strides in hypersonic missile technology with its planned deployment of the first battery of Long-Range Hypersonic Weapons (LHRW) by the end of Fiscal Year 2025. Following successful test launches from locations including Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Kauai, Hawaii, the Dark Eagle system is becoming a key component of the Army's strategy to enhance its military capabilities. This development comes as countries like China and Russia also invest in hypersonic technologies, indicating a global arms race for advanced military systems. The Dark Eagle is designed to be a land-based alternative that can complement existing naval systems currently in use, showcasing inter-service collaboration between the Army and Navy for effective defense initiatives. The details of the Dark Eagle system include a battery configuration of trucks and trailers, each carrying two missiles, alongside a command vehicle. The missiles utilize Common Hypersonic Glide Bodies (C-HGBs) that launch via solid rocket boosters. Once the missile reaches an optimal altitude and speed, the booster detaches, allowing the glide body to travel at Mach 5.0, significantly enhancing the Army's strike capabilities against targets over long distances. Testing has indicated strong performance standards, with tests showing missile ranges exceeding 2,000 miles, which supports the Army's goal of maintaining strategic advantages in a changing global landscape. The Army’s hypersonic pursuit has involved innovations since the 2010s, and it is expected that Bravo Battery, part of the 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery, will be actively participating in the early stages of deployment. Plans are being shaped to assign this battery to Indo-Pacific command structures, likely under the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington, ensuring rapid response capabilities in a crucial region. The implications of deploying hypersonic technology are profound. Experts have noted that hypersonic weapons could complicate defense planning for adversaries, strengthening deterrent measures effectively. As the new advancements in military technology surge forward, U.S. military officials highlight the significance of speed, accuracy, and versatility in these weapons systems, which can redefine engagement rules and operational landscapes. As the Army forges ahead with its defense strategies, the successful rollout of the Dark Eagle could play a critical role in upholding U.S. strategic interests both regionally and globally.