US Central Command (CENTCOM) has asked the Pentagon to deploy the latest Dark Eagle (LRHW) hypersonic missiles in the Middle East. The main goal is to be able to hit targets in Iran, which has moved its launchers beyond the range of existing US PrSM missiles. The Dark Eagle can travel up to 3,000 km at speeds over Mach 4.9. The system’s development has been delayed, but recent successful tests at Cape Canaveral are bringing the first-ever operational deployment of this hypersonic weapon closer.
The US Central Command has asked the Pentagon to send Dark Eagle hypersonic missiles to the Middle East, in case Iran is attacked. Bloomberg said this, quoting someone who knows what the request was about.
The agency says that CENTCOM is looking to get a longer-range system after Iran moved some of its ballistic missile launchers beyond the range of US Precision Strike Missiles.
If approved, this will be the first time the Dark Eagle hypersonic missile, also known as the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon, is used. Bloomberg says its development was way behind schedule, and the system itself isn’t yet fully up and running.
What we know about the Dark Eagle missile
The US military has successfully tested the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon, also known as the Dark Eagle.
The US Department of Defence said it was sent up from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in eastern Florida.
“As we get ready to deliver this weapon to our armed forces for the first time, we’re working to integrate Conventional Prompt Strike into our surface and submarine vessels to help us stay a top military power,” the Pentagon said.
It can travel up to 3,000 km at a speed of Mach 4.9.
It took seven years to develop this new generation of missiles for the company, which isn’t that long for hypersonic weapon systems, especially ones as compact as the Mako.