US Army Demonstrates Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon During TS25 in Australia

As part of the large-scale Talisman Sabre 2025 exercises, the U.S. Army deployed a Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) system outside of the continental United States for the first time.

The official U.S. Army website reported this.

The system, also known as Dark Eagle, was stationed in Australia’s Northern Territory under the command of the 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force (3MDTF).

As noted by the press service, this deployment marked a significant milestone for the U.S. Armed Forces, demonstrating their ability to rapidly move and employ advanced precision weaponry beyond the country’s borders.

“The exercise demonstrates the Combatant Command’s capacity to project power and support the defense of Australia, a key ally in the region,” said Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

Dark Eagle is a next-generation hypersonic missile system with a range of over 2,700 kilometers.

It uses an aerodynamic glider to strike targets at speeds exceeding Mach 5, overcoming enemy air defense systems.

The system is crucial to the U.S. concept of rapid global strike and serves as a key element of deterrence in confronting countries like China.

In March 2025, the U.S. Army announced that new hypersonic systems are to be deployed as part of the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, which has been conducting training with the new Dark Eagle system for an extended period.

Initially scheduled for deployment in 2023, the rollout was delayed due to issues with the missile launch system.

The Dark Eagle system is expected to be stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington.

Overall, the U.S. plans to have 300 hypersonic strike missiles. The determined cost of the missile will allow the Army to provide Congress with detailed information on the total quantity of LRHW stockpiles planned for purchase, as well as the timeline for their build-up.