The request, first reported by Bloomberg on Wednesday, is driven by intelligence assessments that Iran, taking advantage of the ongoing ceasefire, has reportedly repositioned key ballistic missile launchers beyond the reach of existing U.S. systems, including the Army’s Precision Strike Missile, which is limited to roughly 300 miles, according to the report.
The Dark Eagle system — also known as the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon — has a reported range of more than 1,700 miles and is designed to travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound) while maneuvering in flight, allowing it to evade advanced air defenses and strike high-value targets deep inside Iranian territory.
If approved, the move would mark the first deployment of the long-delayed system, which has not yet been formally declared fully operational. A defense official, however, told Fox News the system has reached initial operational capability, marking the first time the United States has a land-based hypersonic weapon available for potential use. According to reporting, U.S. Central Command on Thursday briefed President Trump on options for a “short and powerful” wave of strikes targeting Iranian infrastructure, with plans aimed at forcing Tehran back to negotiations under increased pressure.
Trump has not authorized any strikes and declined to discuss potential military operations, and no final decision has been announced. The briefing comes as U.S. officials prepare for the possibility of renewed military action despite the ceasefire, amid indications Iran has used the pause to reposition assets and harden defenses deeper inside the country. (Read More)
