US armed forces test Dark Eagle hypersonic missile at Mach 5 speeds
The U.S. military has successfully tested its Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), moving closer to fielding advanced hypersonic technology. The test, conducted at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, demonstrated the missile’s ability to exceed speeds of 3,800 miles per hour, more than five times the speed of sound, and strike distant targets.
Officials described the event as a significant milestone in making the weapon combat-ready. The hypersonic system, also known as “Dark Eagle,” is part of a joint effort by the Army and Navy.
Designed to counter emerging threats, the system can outpace and outmaneuver traditional defenses. The Navy plans to deploy the LRHW on Zumwalt-class destroyers and submarines, while the Army prepares for its operational debut by 2025.
The test included the missile’s ground-based launcher and operations center, marking the first live-fire trial of its complete system. Previous tests have focused on individual components or simulated scenarios. This latest success builds on earlier trials, including a June 2024 test in Hawaii.
Hypersonic weapons are considered critical for modern battlefields, combining speed, range and maneuverability to target well-defended or time-sensitive objectives. However, critics question their high production costs and potential to escalate tensions with adversaries such as China and Russia, which are also advancing their hypersonic programs.
The U.S. military emphasized the importance of continued testing and evaluation to ensure the system’s safety and effectiveness. With this technology, commanders aim to enhance deterrence and precision targeting in an evolving global threat environment.
Ballistic missile intercepted over Guam during landmark defense test
In the event of a conflict between the United States and China, U.S. bases in the Pacific, including Guam, would play a critical role. Known as the “hub of the Pacific,” Guam is essential to U.S. military strategy in eastern Asia and the South China Sea.
A recent test to intercept a ballistic missile aimed at Guam demonstrated advancements in missile defense technology. The Missile Defense Agency reported that the test was successful, marking a key step in developing a layered defense system for the island.
Intercepting ballistic missiles is a significant challenge due to their hypersonic speeds and high-altitude trajectories. However, recent advancements in missile defense, seen in conflict zones like Ukraine and the Middle East, are shaping Guam’s new defense infrastructure. The system integrates advanced radars, interceptors and command systems to address evolving threats.
A land-based version of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System, traditionally used on naval warships, forms the core of this system. The system, paired with advanced radar technology from Lockheed Martin and additional space-based sensors, can detect threats shortly after launch and determine the most effective interception strategy.
Guam’s strategic location in the Pacific makes it vital to U.S. operations. Its bases support bombers, submarines and advanced communication systems, which are critical to projecting power in the region. Strengthening Guam’s defenses is part of the Pentagon’s broader plan to deter Chinese aggression, and ensure conflicts remain far from U.S. shores.
The planned upgrades include THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) and Patriot systems, designed to intercept a range of missile types. Experts acknowledge that these systems may not stop every missile in a large-scale attack but aim to disrupt adversary planning and reduce potential damage.
Residents of the island have raised concerns about the impact of increased military activity on local resources, including housing and infrastructure. Some worry that enhanced defenses could make the island a more prominent target, while others emphasize the importance of ensuring Guam’s safety through military preparedness.
The U.S. plans to begin constructing critical defense sites in 2025 and will conduct further tests to refine the system’s capabilities. Defense officials say these efforts are a necessary step in securing the island and maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Tehran’s latest rocket launch sparks concerns over missile technology
Iran successfully launched its heaviest satellite payload to date, the state-run IRNA news agency reported Friday, Dec. 6. The Simorgh rocket reportedly carried the Fakhr-1 satellite, named after assassinated nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, along with an orbital propulsion system and research equipment.
State media claim the payload reached a 250 mile orbit, though independent verification is pending. The launch took place at the Imam Khomeini Spaceport in Semnan province, east of Tehran.
The moment Iran's"Fakhr 1" and "Saman 1" satellites were launched into space using Iran's home-made launcher Simorgh. pic.twitter.com/xJz5ePMVdL
The payload weighed approximately 660 pounds, marking the first known instance of Iran’s civilian space program carrying a military-related satellite. Iranian officials say the propulsion system could enable future satellites to achieve geo-synchronous orbits, a long-standing strategic goal.
A 2023 U.S. intelligence report suggested that Iran’s space launch vehicles share technologies with intercontinental ballistic missiles, potentially accelerating Tehran’s ability to develop long-range weapons.
The launch comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with conflicts in Gaza, Syria and Lebanon adding to regional instability. Iran’s nuclear program is also under scrutiny, as the International Atomic Energy Agency reports Tehran is enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels using advanced centrifuges.
Iran maintains its nuclear and space programs are for peaceful purposes. However, restricted access for international inspectors and its advancing missile capabilities have fueled concerns.
The U.S. has previously stated that such satellite launches violate a now-expired U.N. Security Council resolution urging Tehran to refrain from developing ballistic missile technology.
President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration has expressed interest in negotiating sanctions relief with Western nations, but for now, Tehran continues to push forward with space and nuclear projects.
Russia will use ‘any means’ to defend interests: Russian foreign minister
Moscow warned the West against deeper involvement in the Ukraine conflict, signaling its readiness to defend its interests. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized in a recent interview with Tucker Carlson that Russia does not seek a direct conflict with the U.S.
Carlson asked Lavrov whether he believed the U.S. and Russia were “at war with each other right now.”
“I wouldn’t say so,” Lavrov said. “In any case, this is not what we want. We would like to have normal relations with all our neighbors, of course, but generally with all countries. So not especially with the great country like the United States.”
Lavrov continued, “President Putin repeatedly expressed his respect for the American people, for the American history, for the American achievements in the world. And we don’t see any reason why Russia and the United States cannot cooperate for the sake of the universe.”
Russia’s longtime foreign minister describes the war with the United States and how to end it.
(0:00) Is the US at War With Russia? (12:56) Russia’s Message to the West Through Hypersonic Weapons (17:47) Is There Conversation Happening Between Russia and the US? (23:18) How Many… pic.twitter.com/0UkkNjAkhw
Lavrov pointed to the recent use of the Oreshnik hypersonic missile. He described it as a signal to the U.S. and its allies. The missile, deployed in a strike on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, is capable of carrying multiple warheads. It also travels at speeds 10 times faster than sound, making it difficult to intercept.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said the Oreshnik launch was retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on Russian military facilities in Bryansk and Kursk regions. Ukraine used Western-supplied weapons during those attacks. Putin warned that continued attacks could prompt strikes on Kyiv’s government district or military facilities aiding Ukraine.
“Well, the messages that you, I mean, you, the United States and the allies of the United States, also provide this long range, high weapons to the regime. They must understand that we would be ready to use any means not to allow them to succeed in what they call strategic defeat of Russia,” Lavrov said.
Russia notified the U.S. 30 minutes before the missile test to prevent incidents, Lavrov confirmed. While stressing Russia’s intent to avoid direct conflict with the U.S., he warned that any nuclear exchange involving NATO would likely escalate into a broader war.
The Oreshnik missile deployment highlighted Russia’s advanced military capabilities and willingness to escalate if Western support for Ukraine grows. Lavrov reiterated Russia’s peace conditions, including Ukraine withdrawing from four annexed regions and renouncing NATO membership.
He dismissed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s proposals, saying they failed to address Russia’s security concerns.
In the interview, Lavrov also described U.S. President-elect Donald Trump as a “strong person” focused on achieving results.
“I think he’s a very strong person, a person who wants results, who doesn’t like procrastination on anything,” Lavrov said.
Top Russian, US generals discuss Mediterranean drills in rare call
Russia’s top military officer called his U.S. counterpart last week to warn of live-fire missile tests in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The advance notice was given to U.S. Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. CQ Brown amid heightened tensions between the United States and Russia. Russia’s Defense Ministry stated that the call aimed to prevent incidents in the region.
Russia’s Chief of General Staff Gen. Valery Gerasimov informed Brown about the naval drills, which included hypersonic Zircon missiles and Kalibr cruise missiles launched from frigates and submarines. The exercises also involved Onyx missiles fired from coastal systems, according to the ministry.
The drills were conducted near U.S. Navy ships, including destroyers providing missile defense for Israel and amphibious ships carrying more than 2,000 Marines. Hypersonic missiles like Russia’s Zircon are of particular concern due to their speed and maneuverability, making them more challenging to defend against.
This was the first conversation between the two military leaders since Brown became Joint Chiefs chairman in October 2023. The Pentagon confirmed the two generals discussed global security issues, including the conflict in Ukraine, though Gerasimov did not provide specifics on the weapons used during the drills.
The communication occurred during a period of escalating U.S.-Russia tensions. The United States has allowed Ukraine to use long-range ATACMS missiles against Russian targets, while Russia has conducted intermediate-range ballistic missile strikes in Ukraine. Reports also suggest thousands of North Korean troops are now on the battlefield in support of Russia.
Russia’s naval exercises reportedly involved more than 1,000 personnel, 10 ships and 24 aircraft, including MiG-31 fighter jets. The drills were described by the Russian Defense Ministry as being in compliance with international protocols and agreements.
Advanced Zumwalt destroyers to host US Navy’s 1st hypersonic weapon
For years, the U.S. Navy has been hard at work seeking to salvage the design of the futuristic Zumwalt destroyers. With a hefty price tag of $7.5 billion, the destroyers were meant to replace the Arleigh-Burke class destroyers.
The design was eventually abandoned, though the three finished destroyers are still operational and highly advanced. Now, the Navy is on the verge of turning these ships into hypersonic heavyweights.
Zumwalts have an unconventional design, meant to minimize radar signatures, and even have electric propulsion. They can also fire munitions like the standard missile in their vertical launchers, but were also designed with 155mm artillery guns at the front of the ship to support land forces. Unfortunately, the price per pound of those guns was close to $1 million, and they were never operational.
These ships were eventually used as testing platforms for new innovations, until now. The Navy wants to innovate with them even further.
At a Huntington Ingalls shipyard in Mississippi, the Navy has begun to replace the artillery guns with a new launching system for the Conventional Prompt Strike weapon. When it’s all said and done, each Zumwalt-class destroyer will be able to hold 12 CPS missiles.
CPS is one of the hypersonic missiles the U.S. is currently developing. The Navy and Army have both conducted numerous land-based tests. Now, the Navy says it is on track to start testing these missiles on Zumwalts in 2027 or 2028.
Hypersonic weapons are missiles that can travel at least five times faster than the speed of sound, without losing maneuverability. This is an important distinction, because ballistic missiles can travel much faster than the speed of sound, but they take a predictable path and can be easier to intercept.
A conventional prompt strike missile is made up of different components, but on the end of the weapon is a hypersonic glide vehicle that will do the maneuvering and actually impact the target. Retrofitting Zumwalts with hypersonic weapons like CPS is enough for one defense analyst at the Hudson Institute to say the Navy is taking victory from the jaws of defeat.
Russia claims to have hypersonic weapons, but Ukraine was able to counter them with U.S. supplied weaponry, including Patriot batteries. China does have hypersonic missiles, and the Pentagon confirmed as much according to documents leaked online by Jack Texeira.
Critics say hypersonic missiles are too expensive, and only offer a way to hit something far away really fast. The Congressional Budget Office says it will cost about $18 billion to buy 300 CPS weapons and maintain them for 20 years.
On the other hand, supporters say the cost of not developing hypersonic weapons could be steeper, arguing that if adversaries have them, the U.S. should too.
US B-52 bombers join Finnish, Swedish in NATO training near Russian border
Two U.S. B-52 bombers conducted a training mission over Finland, simulating weapons drops alongside Finnish and Swedish fighter jets. The operation aligns with NATO’s collective defense initiatives as Finland bolsters its military capabilities following its recent NATO membership.
The bombers departed from Fairford Air Base in England, flying over the North Sea, Denmark and the Baltic Sea before entering Finnish airspace. According to the Finnish Air Force, the exercises included simulated air-to-ground drops and demonstrated coordination in fire-use missions. Finnish officials emphasized that such drills enhance defense readiness and contribute to NATO’s presence in the region.
The bilateral cooperation between Finland and the United States strengthens Finland's defence capability.
The mission follows Russia’s announcement of deploying a hypersonic missile in Ukraine, which reportedly has the capability to reach European capitals within minutes. During the training, Russian fighter jets reportedly intercepted the U.S. bombers near Kaliningrad. U.S. officials described the encounter as safe and professional, with the bombers continuing on their planned route.
The B-52H Stratofortress, a long-range bomber, was configured for conventional weapons during the mission. The aircraft can carry up to 70,000 pounds of armaments, including nuclear and precision-guided conventional weapons. Of the 76 bombers in the U.S. fleet, 46 are nuclear-capable.
This mission follows similar NATO exercises conducted earlier this year, highlighting Finland’s increasing role in alliance activities. Both the U.S. Air Force and the Russian Defense Ministry have declined to comment further.
Filling in capability gaps with Lockheed Martin’s hypersonic weapon: The Mako
The proliferation of hypersonic missiles and the Unites States’ position in the world relative to its near-peer adversaries presents an ongoing discussion over what weapons to prioritize and what gaps to close. Lockheed Martin’s director of Air Dominance and Strike Weapons Advanced Programs, Scott “Fish” Fisher, recently visited with Ryan Robertson to discuss Lockheed’s latest development, the Mako.
“The Mako is the fastest shark in the ocean,” Fisher said. “We started this seven years ago, coming up with a clever name for it. More importantly, we identified capability gaps in the United States Navy and Marine Corps’ operational tests. We knew there were some capability gaps, which is a fancy way of saying requirements. If there is a gap, we want to close it. That becomes a big requirement.”
Fisher explained that the Mako, developed with a $150 million investment over seven years, is a hypersonic weapon designed to be multi-mission, multi-platform, and multi-domain.
“Multi-mission means taking out ships, tanks, air defenses, really any mission you can think of,” he said. “Multi-platform means this weapon can hang on anything with 30-inch lugs, fitting on F-18, F-16, F-15, all bombers, and mobility platforms like C-17 and C-130. Multi-domain means it can be air-launched, surface-launched from the ocean, ground-launched from the land, or subsurface-launched from a submarine.”
The Mako missile weighs 1,300 pounds, has a diameter of 13.5 inches, a 130-pound warhead, and is 13 feet long. Fisher emphasized its versatility and power, describing it as “the One Ring to rule them all.”
Addressing concerns about China’s hypersonic weapons, Fisher explained, “Mach 5 is about 50 miles a minute, roughly a mile a second. The Mako differs from the Chinese version by its multi-mission and multi-platform capabilities.”
Lockheed Martin
Fisher confirmed that Lockheed Martin has been ready for the past 18 months to move into production.
“We have been ready to move out rapidly, whether through the traditional engineering, manufacturing, and decision phase or rapid prototyping,” Fisher said. “We have identified global supply chains and kept our domestic partners up to speed. Additive manufacturing has revolutionized production, reducing time and cost significantly.”
As a former fighter pilot, Fisher expressed his passion for the Mako.
“This was the weapon I always wanted. I made a promise to my junior officers, now commanding officers of fighter squadrons, to get the best equipment to them,” he said. “There are storm clouds on the horizon, and we want to ensure peace through strength.”
Fisher’s commitment to delivering the Mako to the warfighter underscores the importance of advancing hypersonic weapon capabilities in maintaining national security.
Going hypersonic with the Mako missile: Weapons and Warfare
This week on Weapons and Warfare, the team goes hypersonic. Host Ryan Robertson talked with one of the decision-makers behind Lockheed Martin’s entry into the race: the Mako Multi-Mission Hypersonic Missile, a stand-off hypersonic weapon designed to fit the F-35A/C and F-22A.
Also featured in this episode:
The secretary of defense heads to Germany for a meeting with allies and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
DOD withholds $5,000,000 on each new F-35.
Take a ride in a U-2 chase car.
Weapon of the Week: Operation Hard Kill and the focus on anti-drone defensive systems.
You can subscribe to the Weapons and Warfare podcast on the platform of your choosing here.
Trump was target of apparent ‘attempted assassination’ at his golf club: FBI
For the second time in just over two months, authorities say former President Donald Trump was the target of an apparent “attempted assassination.” We have the latest on the investigation. And the red carpet was rolled out for TV’s biggest stars Sunday night. We recap who won at the 76th Emmy Awards. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, Sept. 16, 2024.
FBI: Trump was target of apparent ‘attempted assassination’
The FBI is investigating what it said “appears to be an attempted assassination” of former President Donald Trump near his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida Sunday, Sept. 15. Authorities said Trump was playing a round of golf when Secret Service agents spotted the gunman a few hundred yards away pointing a weapon through the bushes.
The agents fired five to six shots at the gunman. The suspect dropped his weapon, described as an AK-47-style rifle, and fled in his vehicle. It was not clear if the suspect had fired any shots.
The suspect was soon taken into custody during a traffic stop in a nearby county.
Authorities said the rifle with a scope was found in the shrubbery along with two backpacks, ceramic plates, and a GoPro camera.
Shortly after the incident, a spokesperson for the Republican presidential nominee said Trump was safe. Trump later sent out a letter to supporters saying, “Nothing will slow me down! I will never surrender.”
Law enforcement sources have told multiple news outlets the suspect has been identified as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh of Hawaii. Authorities are said to be looking into Routh’s possible motives, including his reported grievances about the war in Ukraine. The New York Times reported the paper interviewed Routh last year about recruiting Afghan soldiers fleeing the Taliban to fight in Ukraine.
During a Sunday afternoon press conference, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw spoke about the Secret Service’s presence protecting Trump at the time of the assassination attempt.
“At this level that he is at right now, he’s not the sitting president. If he was, we would have this entire golf course surrounded,” Bradshaw said. “Well, because he’s not, the security is limited to the areas that the Secret Service deems possible. So, I would imagine the next time he comes to the golf course, there’ll probably be a little bit more people around the perimeter. But the Secret Service did exactly what they should have done.”
Biden said he has directed his team to ensure the Secret Service “has every resource” necessary for Trump’s “continued safety.” Harris said, “We all must do our part to ensure that this incident does not lead to more violence.”
Late Sunday night, Trump posted a message on Truth Social thanking law enforcement for “an incredible job done” and saying, “It was certainly an interesting day.”
I would like to thank everyone for your concern and well wishes – It was certainly an interesting day! Most importantly, I want to thank the U.S. Secret Service, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and his Office of brave and dedicated Patriots, and, all of Law Enforcement, for the incredible… pic.twitter.com/mV15rJygOR
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) September 16, 2024
Israel says Houthis will pay ‘heavy price’ after attack on Tel Aviv
Israel’s Prime Minister has vowed retaliation after a missile fired by Houthi rebels reached central Israel for the first time. A Houthi spokesman said the hypersonic ballistic missile, fired from Yemen, traveled more than 1,200 miles in just over 10 minutes Sunday.
Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in central Israel, a surface-to-surface missile was identified crossing into central Israel from Yemen and fell in an open area. No injuries were reported.
The Israeli Defense Forces said there were repeated attempts to shoot down the missile mid-air, but it most likely fragmented as it approached Tel Aviv. Israel said there were no direct casualties from the missile, but at least nine people suffered minor injuries.
This is just the latest attack by the Houthis, in what they say is solidarity with the Palestinians, in support of Hamas.
At least 8 dead as torrential rain triggers flooding in central Europe
At least eight people are confirmed dead as torrential rain continues to pound central Europe, causing widespread flooding. Thousands of people evacuated their homes in the Czech Republic Sunday as rivers overflowed their banks in various parts of the country.
A storm system named Boris has caused heavy downpours from Austria to Romania, leading to the worst flooding the Czech Republic and Poland have seen in nearly 30 years.
The relentless rain is expected to last at least through Monday.
US Coast Guard hearing into deadly Titan submersible implosion begins
Former employees of OceanGate are expected to testify. The company was behind the experimental submersible that imploded while on its way to the wreckage of the Titanic in the Atlantic Ocean in June 2023, killing all five people on board.
On Friday, Sept. 13, the Coast Guard released a statement saying the hearing “aims to uncover the facts surrounding the incident and develop recommendations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.”
The hearing will take place in Charleston County, South Carolina and is expected to last about two weeks. Witnesses scheduled to appear include one of OceanGate’s co-founders and the company’s former engineering, operations, and scientific directors.
Apple’s AI-powered operating system to launch Monday
Apple’s latest operating system, featuring the company’s artificial intelligence capabilities, is set to go live Monday. iOS 18 will come with changes for all compatible iPhone models, but Apple Intelligence will be the highlight of the update for iPhone 15 Pro and later models.
Some tech experts say this is Apple’s biggest update since it originally launched the iPhone.
Apple usually releases its updates at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET.
‘Shogun,’ ‘Hacks,’ ‘The Bear’ win at the 76th Emmy Awards
History was made at the 76th Emmy Awards Sunday night in Los Angeles. The big winner was the historical drama Shogun.
“Shogun” became the first non-English language series to win best drama. It claimed a total of 18 wins, including lead actor, actress, and directing.