U.S. Army Unveils 'Dark Eagle' Name for Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon

The U.S. Army has officially named its Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) “Dark Eagle” following a successful end-to-end flight test of the system’s common All-Up Round in December.

The new name reflects both symbolic and operational elements of the hypersonic system. The “eagle” in the title pays homage to the bald eagle, the national bird of the United States, symbolizing strength, independence, and freedom. The eagle is also seen as a master hunter known for speed, precision, and stealth — qualities that mirror the capabilities of the LRHW.

The term “dark” refers to the weapon’s potential to degrade or disable enemy systems, including long-range defenses, communications infrastructure, and time-sensitive targets. According to the Army, this aligns with the weapon’s intended role in countering anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) environments.

“Their speed, accuracy and versatility are befitting its new popular name, Dark Eagle,” said Patrick Mason, senior official performing the duties of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology. “Hypersonic weapons will complicate adversaries' decision calculus, strengthening deterrence.”

The Dark Eagle program is a joint initiative between the U.S. Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office and the U.S. Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs. Both services are working to deploy land- and sea-based hypersonic capabilities using a common missile system. Shared development and testing have enabled faster timelines and reduced costs.