US Army unveils hypersonic weapon "Dark Eagle" after successful launch

The United States Army has officially named its long-range hypersonic weapon system “Dark Eagle,” following a successful test launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station last December.

The newly dubbed system was launched again on Friday 25 morning in another test, underscoring its continued development as part of the US military’s advanced weapons program, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign press.

Images shared on social media captured the missile launching from Space Launch Complex 46 (SLC-46) at Cape Canaveral. Leading up to the launch, the Eastern Range had issued keep-out warnings for both maritime and airspace around the site.

“A combined team of government, academic and industry partners conducted a test on behalf of the Department of Defence from a test site at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station,” read a statement from the Office of the Secretary of Defence. “We are currently evaluating the results of the test.”

The launch came just one day after the Army formally announced the name “Dark Eagle” for the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW). According to a press release from the Defence Department, the name reflects both symbolic and tactical elements of the system’s capabilities.

“Part of the name pays tribute to the eagle – a master hunter known for its speed, stealth and agility – due to the LRHW’s combination of velocity, accuracy, manoeuvrability, survivability and versatility,” the release stated. “In addition, the bald eagle – our national bird – represents independence, strength and freedom.”

The "dark" element of the name refers to the system’s destructive capacity, particularly its ability to neutralise high-value adversary assets.

The Defence Department explained: “The ‘dark’ portion of the name refers to the hypersonic weapon’s ability to disintegrate adversary capabilities, including anti-access/area-denial systems, communications capacity, long-range fires and other high-payoff/time-critical targets.”

The December launch marked the first “live-fire event” for the system. That test was a collaborative effort between the US Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office and the Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs. The joint initiative is aimed at using a common weapon system across branches, reducing both testing timelines and costs.

Patrick Mason, the senior official performing the duties of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, emphasised the strategic importance of hypersonic systems.

“Hypersonic weapons will complicate adversaries’ decision calculus, strengthening deterrence,” Mason said. “Their speed, accuracy and versatility are befitting its new popular name, Dark Eagle.”

The recent launch from SLC-46 is the latest use of the pad, which had previously hosted two Astra Space launches in 2022. The launch platform utilises a battery operations centre and a transporter erector launcher that propels the missile eastward over the Atlantic Ocean.

The LRHW system is designed for deployment from both land and sea, offering versatile strike options. Hypersonic missiles, which travel at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound, pose significant challenges for interception due to their velocity and unpredictable flight paths.

By Tamilla Hasanova