US Army Hypersonic Weapon Debuts in Navy Exercise

An Indo-Pacific-assigned U.S. Army unit deployed its hypersonic missiles for the first time during a Navy-hosted exercise. The unit, designed to counter anti-access and area denial networks, showcased its capabilities in Exercise Resolute Hunter.

Exercise Resolute Hunter

Exercise Resolute Hunter is the U.S. Department of Defense’s only exercise dedicated to battle management, command and control, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Since its inception in 2019, the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center has used it to train service members and participants from the Five Eyes nations in decision-making and target selection in the kill chain.

This year’s exercise included the Army’s 1st Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF). From June 25 to 27, the Bravo Battery of the unit’s Long-Range Fires Battalion deployed their Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), known as Dark Eagle. This demonstration highlighted the weapon’s ability to integrate and contribute to the kill chain.

The Power of LRHW

The LRHW is the MDTF’s most capable missile system, boasting a range of up to 1,725 miles.

The Army sees this hypersonic missile as a critical tool for defeating enemy anti-access and area denial (A2/AD) defenses. The system is designed to suppress adversary long-range fires and engage high-payoff, time-critical targets. An LRHW battery includes four launchers with two missiles each, a battery operations command vehicle, and a battery operations command support vehicle.

Deployment and Training

During the exercise, Bravo Battery operated within Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington. The unit practiced deploying the LRHW’s transport erector launcher, including reloading and preparing to fire. Additionally, the 1st MDTF provided real-time situational awareness to the exercise’s joint command post.

“Exercise Resolute Hunter 24-2 demonstrated the critical role of Landpower and the Army’s indispensable contribution to joint operations. I’m proud of our team’s commitment to excellence and ability to adapt and innovate in a complex and dynamic training scenario,” said Capt. Jennifer Lee, Bravo Battery’s commander, in a news release.

Evolution of the 1st MDTF

Originally an experimental unit, the 1st MDTF was officially activated in 2017. The Army aimed to counter new threats from adversaries and enhance its contribution to the Indo-Pacific theater. The MDTFs are designed to operate like traditional maneuver elements while synchronizing precision fires and effects in all domains to neutralize adversary A2/AD networks.

Among the MDTF’s capabilities are space, cyber, and electronic warfare assets. However, its Long-Range Fires Battalion has been the most prolific, thanks to new missile systems.

The unit’s Mid-Range Capability, a ground-based Mk41 vertical launch system, can strike vessels with Tomahawks and SM-6 missiles. This system was deployed to the Indo-Pacific for the first time during an exercise in the Philippines in April.

A Step Forward

The deployment of hypersonic missiles during Exercise Resolute Hunter marks a significant step forward for the Army’s capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. It showcases the ability to integrate advanced weapon systems into joint operations, enhancing the overall effectiveness of U.S. military forces.

By demonstrating the LRHW’s capabilities, the Army sends a clear message to adversaries about its ability to counter advanced threats and maintain a strategic edge in the region. This exercise underscores the importance of continual adaptation and innovation in military strategy and technology.

The 1st MDTF’s involvement in Exercise Resolute Hunter reflects the evolving nature of modern warfare, where multi-domain operations and advanced missile systems play crucial roles. As the Army continues to develop and deploy these capabilities, it strengthens its position in the Indo-Pacific theater and enhances its contribution to joint operations.