The US is preparing Dark Eagle hypersonic missiles for potential strikes against Iran
The US Central Command has submitted a request to deploy the Dark Eagle hypersonic missile system in the Middle East. According to Bloomberg, the move is aimed at potentially using this weapon to strike ballistic missile launchers within Iran.
If approved, this would mark the first deployment of the system. The Dark Eagle missile, also known as the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon, has not yet been declared fully operational and has been developed with significant delays.
The request is justified by the fact that Iran has moved some of its launchers beyond the range of Precision Strike Missiles, which are capable of striking targets over 300 miles away.
No decision on deployment has yet been made. US Central Command declined to comment.
A ceasefire has been in place between the US and Iran since 9 April, but the request indicates preparations for a possible resumption of strikes. Both sides are using this period to rearm and plan their next moves.
If the initiative goes ahead, it could also send a signal to Russia and China, which already have their own hypersonic systems.
The Dark Eagle missile has a claimed range of over 1,725 miles. It is capable of travelling at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound and manoeuvring to evade interception. The system was designed to overcome modern air defence systems.
According to available data, the cost of a single missile is around $15 million, and their number is limited to just a few units. The cost of a single battery is estimated at approximately $2.7 billion.
The US has already used a significant portion of its JASSM-ER cruise missile stockpile in the conflict with Iran. Around 1,100 such missiles were fired during the hostilities.
The US claims local air superiority, but risks remain in some areas of Iran. According to available data, dozens of MQ-9 drones and several manned aircraft have been shot down.
