U.S. Races to Deploy ‘Dark Eagle’ Hypersonic Missile by 2025

The United States is ramping up its efforts to deploy its first long-range hypersonic weapon (LRHW) by the end of fiscal year 2025. Following years of setbacks and testing hurdles, the U.S. Army is determined to bring the highly anticipated “Dark Eagle” missile into operational status. But with Russia and China already fielding hypersonic weapons, can the U.S. truly catch up in the global arms race?

Progress in the U.S. Hypersonic Development

The LRHW, known as Dark Eagle, boasts an impressive range of approximately 1,725 miles (2,776 kilometers) and speeds exceeding 6,100 kilometers per hour (3,800 miles per hour). This missile is expected to provide the U.S. military with a game-changing strike capability, allowing for rapid, precise attacks that are extremely difficult to intercept. Read more about LRHW here.

Despite these advancements, the journey to deployment has been far from smooth. The original timeline for the LRHW’s operational debut was set for 2023, but testing failures and logistical challenges delayed its rollout.

However, recent successful test flights in May and December 2024 have renewed optimism that the U.S. will meet its 2025 deadline. Once fully integrated, the weapon will be fielded by the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force, 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, and 17th Field Artillery Brigade at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state. Read more here.

The Challenges in Developing the LRHW

Developing the LRHW has been fraught with numerous challenges, causing significant delays and technical setbacks. One of the primary issues has been integration challenges, which have made it difficult to field the first LRHW battery on time. Originally scheduled for deployment in fiscal year 2023, the program had to be pushed back due to ongoing complications.

Another major hurdle has been the reliability of the launcher and the launch sequence. The Lockheed Martin-produced launcher experienced repeated issues, leading to multiple aborted tests and further program delays. These problems have underscored the complexity of successfully deploying a hypersonic missile system.

Testing failures have also plagued the LRHW’s development. In October 2021, a booster rocket failure hindered progress, followed by a failed full-system test in June 2022. Additional canceled tests in March, September, and October 2023 due to pre-flight check issues further slowed the program. These setbacks highlighted the inherent risks of an accelerated development timeline.

The U.S. Army’s aggressive schedule for the LRHW has contributed to its technical and logistical difficulties. Unlike Russia and China, which have spent decades refining hypersonic technology, the U.S. has been rushing to catch up within just a few years. This rapid pace has limited testing opportunities, making it more challenging to identify and resolve issues before deployment.

Beyond these hurdles, industrial base limitations have also posed a significant problem. The U.S. private sector initially lacked experience in manufacturing hypersonic weapons, requiring the Army to work closely with contractors to develop the necessary industrial infrastructure. This lack of prior expertise slowed down production and testing.

Additionally, the LRHW’s development involves extreme technical complexities. Hypersonic weapons must withstand temperatures of up to 3,000°F, requiring advanced materials that can endure such conditions. Engineers must also ensure the protection of sensitive electronics and predict aerodynamic performance at unprecedented speeds, adding further complications to the program.

Despite these challenges, the U.S. Army reported a successful end-to-end test in June 2024, albeit using a different launch platform than the intended truck-mounted system. If the remaining tests go as planned, the Army hopes to deploy its first LRHW battery by the end of the fiscal year 2025.

How does the LRHW compare to Russia’s and China’s hypersonic missiles?

While the U.S. has made significant strides, it still lags behind its rivals. Both China and Russia have been aggressively developing hypersonic weapons for decades, giving them a strategic advantage in this critical domain. Their established programs, extensive testing, and field operational systems put them ahead in the global hypersonic arms race.

Russia has already demonstrated its hypersonic capabilities on the battlefield, notably using the Kinzhal missile in Ukraine. This air-launched weapon is designed to strike high-value targets at exceptional speeds while evading interception.

Read: US Dark Eagle Missile System Surpasses Russia’s S-500 Tech?

Beyond Kinzhal, Russia possesses even more advanced systems such as the Avangard, a hypersonic glide vehicle capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 20, making it nearly impossible to intercept. Additionally, Russia has developed the Zircon, a ship-launched hypersonic cruise missile that enhances its naval strike capabilities. These weapons have been operational for years, reinforcing Russia’s position as a leader in hypersonic warfare.

China, on the other hand, has rapidly expanded its hypersonic arsenal, positioning itself as the frontrunner in hypersonic weapons development. With multiple successful tests and growing production, China is believed to have already deployed operational hypersonic missiles.

Reports suggest that Beijing is actively building a significant stockpile, giving it a formidable edge in modern warfare. China’s hypersonic glide vehicles and cruise missiles are specifically designed to bypass traditional missile defense systems, further complicating the strategic balance. This aggressive expansion signals China’s ambition to dominate the hypersonic battlefield.

Is the U.S. Falling Behind?

Compared to its adversaries, the U.S. is still playing catch-up. The Dark Eagle missile, while promising, remains in the testing phase, with deployment not expected until late 2025.

Meanwhile, Russia and China already possess fielded and combat-tested hypersonic weapons. Furthermore, both nations have a significant head start in stockpiling these advanced munitions, while the U.S. is still working toward its first operational deployment.

That said, the U.S. is accelerating its hypersonic programs to bridge the gap. With increased funding, successful testing, and continued development, Washington aims to solidify its position in this high-stakes arms race.

Whether Dark Eagle will be enough to counter the advancements of Russia and China remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—hypersonic missiles are reshaping the future of warfare, and the race is far from over.