The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has formally requested the Pentagon to deploy hypersonic Dark Eagle missiles to the Middle East, aimed at striking targets deep within Iranian territory. This request highlights a strategic shift in U.S. military capabilities in the region.
According to a source familiar with the matter, CENTCOM is seeking a longer-range system to target ballistic missile launch sites that Iran has relocated beyond the reach of existing U.S. Precision Strike Missiles. This development comes despite a ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran that has been in effect since April 9.
If approved, this would mark the first deployment of a hypersonic missile by the United States, a program that has faced significant delays and has not yet achieved full operational capability. The Dark Eagle, also known as the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), reportedly has a range exceeding 2,700 kilometers and can travel at speeds five times the speed of sound while maneuvering to evade missile defense systems.
Each missile, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is estimated to cost around $15 million. Currently, the U.S. possesses no more than eight units of this weapon. The estimated total cost for a battery of these systems is approximately $2.7 billion.
In the ongoing conflict with Iran, the U.S. has already deployed around 1,100 stealthy JASSM-ER cruise missiles.
The U.S. Central Command's request for hypersonic Dark Eagle missiles underscores a potential escalation in military readiness against Iran, despite a current ceasefire. This marks a significant development in U.S. military capabilities in the region.