CENTCOM Requests Dark Eagle Missiles for Iran Targets

U.S. Central Command has requested the deployment of the Army's Dark Eagle hypersonic missile to the Middle East for potential use against Iranian ballistic missile launchers positioned deep inside the country, according to reports.

The request, detailed in a military Request for Forces submission, aims to address Iranian launchers that have been relocated beyond the range of the Precision Strike Missile, which exceeds 300 miles. If approved, the move would represent the first operational deployment of Dark Eagle, also known as the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon. The system remains behind schedule and has not been declared fully operational, despite initial targets for readiness by 2022.

Dark Eagle is designed for strikes on high-value, well-defended targets. It travels more than five times the speed of sound, employs a gliding trajectory and can maneuver to evade defenses. Its estimated range reaches about 1,725 miles. Each missile costs around $15 million, with fewer than 10 available, and a full battery runs approximately $2.7 billion.

The proposal emerges amid a fragile ceasefire in place since April 8, following heightened hostilities. Diplomatic efforts to resolve the...