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Saba Yemen
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Military Experts: Yemeni Missile Strike on "Ben Gurion" Airport Reveals Strategic Shift in Deterrence Equation
Sana'a - Saba: The success of the missile launched by the Yemeni Armed Forces toward the Zionist "Ben Gurion" Airport, which reached its target without being intercepted, has stunned military and strategic analysts. Military experts confirmed that the Yemeni missile targeting the Zionist airport represents a qualitative shift for the Yemeni Armed Forces, simultaneously revealing an advanced and unexpected level of missile capabilities from Sana'a. This development places the Zionist entity before a new deterrence equation and unprecedented challenges. They expressed astonishment at the level of advancement achieved by Yemeni forces in manufacturing and guiding hypersonic missiles—technologies currently possessed only by a limited number of countries, such as Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. Meanwhile, the United States remains in the experimental phase with a missile known as "Dark Eagle," with a range not exceeding 700 kilometers. Military analyses published in Arab and Western media outlets indicated that the Yemeni operation marks a turning point in how the world perceives Yemen's military capabilities, which can no longer be ignored or downplayed. They stressed that Israel and Western nations must recalibrate their calculations and address these developments with seriousness and realism. Egyptian military and strategic analyst Samir Ragheb stated, "Ansar Allah's possession of hypersonic missiles with such capabilities is a heavyweight surprise, especially given the United States' lag in developing similar weapons." He noted that the missile targeting Ben Gurion Airport is estimated to be around 11 meters long, reaching speeds of up to Mach 5, generating an ionized plasma sheath that impedes radar detection. Its speed may increase to Mach 18 in the final phase. Ragheb explained that the warhead likely carried approximately 500 kilograms of explosives, accounting for the significant damage and deep crater seen in circulated images. He pointed out that recent advancements in Yemeni missiles include improvements in fuel systems, sensors, guidance, and GPS technologies, enhancing their precision and maneuverability, enabling accurate strikes at ranges of up to 2,000 kilometers. He emphasized that these missiles do not belong to old stockpiles from the previous regime, such as Scud-B missiles with a range not exceeding 300 kilometers, but rather reflect genuine progress in Yemen's manufacturing and launch capabilities. For his part, Dr. Masoud Pour, Director of the Arab-Iranian Strategic Studies Center in Tehran, stated, "The missile's success in hitting its target without interception highlights the weakness of Zionist defense systems." He questioned, "What if multiple missiles were launched simultaneously?" affirming that Yemen has become a rising force in the regional deterrence equation that cannot be overlooked. Other media outlets also discussed the Yemeni missile launched toward Ben Gurion Airport. Reuters and Israel's Channel 12 reported that the ballistic missile bypassed all Israeli and American air defense systems, penetrating deep into "Israel's" airspace, leading to a temporary halt in air traffic and forcing thousands of settlers to flee to shelters. Meanwhile, factions from the Axis of Resistance described the Yemeni operation as "heroic and qualitative," considering it a resounding failure for the American , British alliance and an accumulated inability to break the will of the Yemeni people, who continue to make sacrifices in support of the Palestinian cause despite blockade and challenges. Earlier, the Yemeni Armed Forces announced the execution of a qualitative military operation targeting Ben Gurion Airport in the occupied Yafa region with a hypersonic ballistic missile, confirming precise hits , the failure of American and Israeli interception systems to counter it. This led to a complete shutdown of the airport for over an hour and widespread panic within the Israeli interior. The Armed Forces affirmed that this operation comes in response to the genocidal crimes committed by the Zionist entity against civilians in Gaza, reaffirming Yemen's steadfast stance in supporting the Palestinian people and their resistance. Once again, Yemen—through its leadership, people, and armed forces—proves its ability to stand firm, resist, and challenge the forces of hegemony and arrogance (America, Israel, and Britain), continuing to support the Palestinian people and their just cause, and backing Gaza no matter the scale of sacrifices. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print more of (Reports)
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
US Army launches hypersonic missile from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. A December 2024 hypersonic missile test from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. | Credit: DOD The U.S. Army launched an undisclosed hypersonic missile from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force station last week, just days after naming its new hypersonic weapon the "Dark Eagle." Dark Eagle is the colloquial name for the U.S. Army's Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), a surface-to-surface missile that carries a hypersonic glide body, a vehicle capable of carrying warheads and maneuvering as it travels at speeds greater than five times the speed of sound through Earth's atmosphere. Because of their speed and maneuverability, these types of weapons are much more difficult to defend against than traditional missiles. The U.S. Army did not disclose any details about the test, the existence of which was learned largely through airspace closure notices issued by the Federal Aviation Administration for Friday, April 25. It's unknown if this launch was the "Dark Eagle," although the Army launched the same missile from the Cape late last year. However, some Space Coast photographers were able to snap a few pictures of what appears to be the launch. Photographer Jerry Pike posted four photos to X that appear to show the Dark Eagle/LRHW launching from Cape Canaveral out toward the Eastern Range, the airspace that supports launches from the U.S. East Coast. "Shortly after liftoff, the vehicle split into two distinct sections, with one appearing to tumble away, and the other continuing to propel itself forward until it disappeared into the sky," Pike wrote in the post. It's unclear what the fallen piece could have been, but the LRHW is a two-stage rocket; it's possible Pike caught the first stage falling away. The U.S. Army just announced the name "Dark Eagle" for the LRHW on April 25. According to an Army statement, the word "dark" reflects the missile's ability to render obsolete adversary capabilities, including anti-aircraft systems, long-range weapons and communication infrastructure. RELATED STORIES: — US and UK militaries pick Rocket Lab's HASTE launcher to help test hypersonic tech — Rocket Lab's secretive launch last month was a hypersonic test for the US military (photos) — Space Force aims to launch 1st 'Foo Fighter' satellites in 2027 to track hypersonic threats "Eagle," meanwhile, owes its name to the bald eagle, the national bird of the United States. The bald eagle, the Army writes, is "a master hunter known for its speed, stealth and agility" and reflects the LRHW's "combination of velocity, accuracy, maneuverability, survivability and versatility." The U.S. Army last tested the LRHW in December 2024 in another flight from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. That test "achieved hypersonic speed at target distances and demonstrates that we can put this capability in the hands of the warfighter," said Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth in an Army statement.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
US secretly tests hypersonic missile that can strike 1,725 miles away in minutes
The US Department of Defense performed a secretive test of its Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon, Dark Eagle, over the weekend. According to several reports, the test mission flew from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Friday. It marks one of the first times a war missile has been tested from Cape Canaveral since 1988. The missile, jointly developed for the US Army and Navy, was fired skyward from Launch Complex 46. Dark Eagle is the Army iteration of the weapon. Fireable from a ground unit, the missile blazes through the air at five times the speed of sound. It can reach anywhere on Earth within minutes. Unsurprisingly, the DoD has revealed almost no details regarding the specifications of its classified Dark Eagle mission. "A combined team of government, academic, and industry partners conducted a test on behalf of the Department of Defense from a test site at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. We are currently evaluating the results of the test," a DoD spokesperson told Florida Today in a written statement this week. The launch was not publicly announced beforehand. However, a navigational warning issued by the US Coast Guard suggested a hypersonic test flight would take place. That warning outlined a security zone stretching out into the Atlantic in a southeasterly direction. The Dark Eagle weapon was designed to travel roughly 6,000 km/h, or Mach 5 – five times the speed of sound. It has an estimated range of 2,775 km. This mission was the second Cape Canaveral test flight for Dark Eagle – the first took flight from the historic facility in December last year. The world's leading military powers are increasingly looking to test hypersonic capabilities to give them the edge on the battlefield. According to the US Army, hypersonic weapons can strike anywhere in the world within minutes. "This land-based, truck-launched system is armed with hypersonic missiles that can travel well over 3,800 miles per hour," a US Army post describing Dark Eagle explained. "They can reach the top of the Earth's atmosphere and remain just beyond the range of air and missile defense systems until they are ready to strike, and by then it's too late to react." According to an MSN report, the first complete Dark Eagle unit is expected to be fielded in the fiscal year of 2025, two years behind schedule. Each Dark Eagle unit will consist of four launchers, with eight missiles. "Hypersonic weapons will complicate adversaries' decision calculus, strengthening deterrence," said Patrick Mason, US senior official performing the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology duties. "Their speed, accuracy, and versatility are befitting its new popular name, Dark Eagle." The Navy also aims to integrate hypersonic weapons capabilities on its destroyers and submarines. Their version of the system will be called Conventional Prompt Strike.
Newsweek
28-04-2025
- Science
- Newsweek
Photos Show US Launching Dark Eagle Hypersonic Missile
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United States conducted a test launch of the U.S. Army's hypersonic missile, also known as the Dark Eagle, in Florida on Friday, capable of traveling over five times the speed of sound. Newsweek has reached out to the Office of the Secretary of Defense for comment by email. Why It Matters Russia and China have fielded their hypersonic weapons, including the Russian Oreshnik missile that was launched against Ukraine last November, as well as the Chinese DF-17 medium-range ballistic missile that can strike Japan where the U.S. has deployed its forces. This type of so-called "game-changer" armament is capable of evading most of the air and missile defense systems by maneuvering within the atmosphere at hypersonic speed. The U.S. is currently developing hypersonic missiles and the countermeasures against them. What To Know According to photos shared on X, formerly Twitter, by @JerryPikePhoto, the U.S. Army executed a test launch of the Dark Eagle missile, also known as the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Friday. A missile was seen launching from the ground. Liftoff of the LRHW Dark Eagle this morning 🚀 — Jerry Pike (@JerryPikePhoto) April 25, 2025 Shortly after liftoff, the vehicle split into two distinct sections, with one appearing to tumble away, and the other continuing to propel itself forward until it disappeared into the sky — Jerry Pike (@JerryPikePhoto) April 25, 2025 The Office of the Secretary of Defense confirmed the test event to Orlando Sentinel, adding that the results are being evaluated. This marked the first test of the Dark Eagle missile since its successful flight test held in December last year, the report added. The Dark Eagle is a ground-launched missile attached with a maneuverable hypersonic glide body as its warhead, the Congressional Research Service (CRS) said in its report on Thursday. The missile has a reported range of 1,725 miles with a top speed of over 3,800 miles per hour. According to the report, each Dark Eagle missile unit will consist of four launchers armed with a total of eight missiles. Due to what the report called "integration challenges," the first complete unit is now expected to be fielded in fiscal year 2025, two years behind schedule. Fiscal year 2025 began on October 1, 2024, and ends on September 30, 2025, meaning the U.S. Army has five months left to put the missile into service, according to the new schedule. The latest test comes after the U.S. Army announced on Thursday that "Dark Eagle" is the popular name for the LRHW. The word "dark" reflects the weapon's ability to "disintegrate adversary capabilities," while "eagle" is a tribute to the master hunter, the U.S. Army said. The LRHW, which is the combination of velocity, accuracy, maneuverability, survivability, and versatility, matches the eagle's characteristics—speed, stealth, and agility. Meanwhile, America's national bird, the bald eagle, represents independence, strength, and freedom. In this photo provided by the United States DOD on December 12, 2024, a Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon system fires a conventional hypersonic missile from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. In this photo provided by the United States DOD on December 12, 2024, a Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon system fires a conventional hypersonic missile from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. U.S. Department of Defense What People Are Saying Patrick Mason, U.S. senior official performing the duties of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, said on Thursday: "Hypersonic weapons will complicate adversaries' decision calculus, strengthening deterrence ... Their speed, accuracy and versatility are befitting its new popular name, Dark Eagle." The Congressional Research Service reported: "The LRHW system provides the Army a strategic attack weapon system to defeat Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) capabilities, suppress adversary long-range fires, and engage other high payoff/time critical targets." What Happens Next? It remains to be seen whether the U.S. Army will conduct additional tests of the Dark Eagle missile before declaring it operational. The Army has previously expressed interest in operating its Multi-Domain Task Force, which hosts the Dark Eagle missile, out of Japan.
South China Morning Post
25-04-2025
- Science
- South China Morning Post
US launches secretive ‘Dark Eagle' hypersonic missile
After a successful test from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station last December, the US Army on Thursday officially named its long-range hypersonic weapon 'Dark Eagle'. The system designed to 'disintegrate adversary capabilities' was at it again on Friday morning. Advertisement Images posted to social media showed the missile launch from Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 46 while the Eastern Range had posted keep-out notices and warnings for maritime and airspace. 'A combined team of government, academic and industry partners conducted a test on behalf of the Department of Defence from a test site at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station,' according to a statement from the Office of the Secretary of Defence. 'We are currently evaluating the results of the test.' The action on the Space Coast comes a day after the Army officially dubbed the defence system with its new moniker. 01:34 North Korea launches new hypersonic missile test ahead of Trump's return to White House North Korea launches new hypersonic missile test ahead of Trump's return to White House 'Part of the name pays tribute to the eagle – a master hunter known for its speed, stealth and agility – due to the LRHW's combination of velocity, accuracy, manoeuvrability, survivability and versatility,' reads a press release from the Defence Department.
