The ‘Black Eagle’ Emerges: USA’s Response to Russia and China in Hypersonic Missile Race
The race for hypersonic missile technology is heating up as countries like the US, China, and Russia are working to develop and deploy these advanced weapons. Hypersonic missiles, capable of traveling at speeds exceeding 6,100 kilometers per hour and striking targets over 2,700 kilometers away, have the potential to revolutionize modern warfare.
While the US has faced delays in deploying its own hypersonic missile system, recent reports indicate that the US Army is preparing to operationalize the “Dark Eagle” long-range hypersonic weapon by the end of 2025. Developed by Lockheed Martin, the Dark Eagle system is expected to provide the US with a crucial deterrence capability against potential adversaries.
Despite successful flight tests, there are still engineering challenges and uncertainties surrounding the deployment of the Dark Eagle system. The US Department of Defense has highlighted the need for hypersonic weapons for both deterrence and defense purposes, emphasizing the strategic importance of these advanced technologies.
In contrast, countries like Russia and China have already made significant progress in developing hypersonic missiles. Russia’s “Dagger” missile, capable of carrying nuclear or conventional warheads, has been used in conflicts such as the one in Ukraine. China, on the other hand, is investing in hypersonic glide systems that could potentially evade early warning systems and deliver devastating strikes.
As the hypersonic arms race continues to unfold, it is clear that these advanced weapons will play a crucial role in shaping the future of warfare. The US and its allies must be prepared to adapt to the rapidly evolving threat landscape and ensure that they have the necessary capabilities to defend against hypersonic weapons.
