The U.S. Army plans to field a second battery of its Dark Eagle hypersonic missile system in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2026, expanding its long-range strike capabilities amid rising questions over strategic deterrence.
At a Glance
- The second Dark Eagle missile battery is on schedule for deployment in Q4 FY 2026 under the Army’s Middle Tier Acquisition strategy
- The Dark Eagle, officially called the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), features a glide body that travels at Mach 5+ with a range around 1,725 miles
- Its mobile launcher allows for rapid deployment, shoot-and-scoot operations, and strikes on high-value targets before detection
- The system underwent successful testing in 2024, including an end-to-end launcher flight from Cape Canaveral
- The Dark Eagle joins growing U.S. hypersonic efforts, seen as critical to counter rival programs in Russia and China
What Is Dark Eagle?
The Dark Eagle LRHW consists of a rocket booster and a Common Hypersonic Glide Body that separates and glides at hypersonic speed to strike distant targets. The system includes mobile transporter-erector-launchers, support vehicles, and fire-control elements, enabling flexible deployment and rapid-strike capability over vast distances.
Deployment Timeline
Following a successful end-to-end flight test in December 2024, the Army is training its first Dark Eagle unit under the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force. A second battery is set for delivery in FY 2026, consistent with the Pentagon’s Middle Tier Acquisition fast-track process, which aims to deliver advanced systems outside the traditional procurement timeline.
Why It Matters
Dark Eagle represents a significant leap in strategic firepower. With its 1,700+ mile range and maneuverability, it provides a new class of weapons capable of defeating modern air defenses and delivering rapid precision strikes. As noted in the Congressional Research Service’s hypersonic briefing, these capabilities are critical for maintaining deterrence against adversaries like China and Russia who are also developing similar platforms.
Watch a report: Army’s Dark Eagle Hypersonic Missile Advances Toward 2026 Deployment.
What’s Next
As development continues, lawmakers will debate costs, mission clarity, and defensive countermeasures. The 2026 deployment marks a pivotal moment in U.S. modernization efforts under its Long-Range Precision Fires initiative. If successful, Dark Eagle could shape the strategic landscape for decades.
