In a significant development, the United States Army has once again failed to meet its deadline for fielding the first US hypersonic weapon, known as the Dark Eagle hypersonic missile. Despite the unit assigned to operate the system being trained and ready, the missile itself is not prepared for deployment. The delay raises concerns about the progress of the Pentagon’s hypersonic program, which has a budget of US$10.4 billion. The army had previously aimed to have the weapon ready for use by the end of 2025, but it has now been confirmed that deployment will not occur until early 2026.
This delay underscores the challenges faced by the US military in developing and deploying advanced hypersonic technology. Hypersonic weapons are capable of traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 5, making them extremely difficult to defend against and offering a significant strategic advantage. The delay in fielding the Dark Eagle missile could have implications for the US military’s ability to maintain its technological edge in an increasingly competitive global security environment.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, South Korea has announced the deployment of its Hyunmoo-5 surface-to-surface ballistic missile to frontline military units. The Hyunmoo-5 is considered the country’s most powerful conventional strike weapon and is intended to deter potential threats from North Korea. The missile has been entering frontline units since late 2025, marking a significant step in South Korea’s efforts to enhance its military capabilities.
The contrasting timelines for hypersonic missile deployment between the US and South Korea highlight the varying approaches and priorities of different countries in the realm of advanced weapons technology. While South Korea moves forward with the operationalization of its “monster missile,” the US faces delays in its hypersonic program, raising questions about the implications for national security and strategic deterrence.
As the US grapples with the setback in its hypersonic missile program, South Korea’s deployment of the Hyunmoo-5 underscores the importance of maintaining a robust and modernized military capability in the face of evolving security challenges. The developments in both countries serve as a reminder of the ongoing arms race and technological competition shaping the global security landscape.
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References:
1. https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3340291/us-blows-past-another-deadline-field-its-first-hypersonic-missile?utm_source=rss_feed
2. https://defence-blog.com/u-s-army-misses-deadline-for-dark-eagle-hypersonic-weapon/
3. https://defence-blog.com/south-korea-fields-hyunmoo-5-monster-missile/
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