U.S. Deploys Hypersonic Missiles to Australia for First Time During Talisman Sabre 25

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For the first time in history, the United States Indo-Pacific Command has deployed its Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) system—known as “Dark Eagle”—to Northern Australia. This landmark deployment took place as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 25, a major bilateral military exercise between the United States and Australia. The LRHW system, capable of executing precision strikes at hypersonic speeds over vast distances, represents a significant leap in strategic deterrence and operational reach for U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific region.

LRHW. Photo: army.mil

The deployment of the LRHW system outside the continental United States marks a pivotal moment for the U.S. Army and its allies. It demonstrates not only the technological maturity of the hypersonic platform but also the Army’s ability to rapidly position and operate advanced weapon systems in forward environments. The 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force (3MDTF), which spearheaded the deployment, showcased its agility and readiness by integrating the LRHW into a complex multinational exercise scenario. According to Colonel Wade Germann, commander of the 3MDTF, this move underscores the Army’s commitment to supporting regional allies and maintaining a credible deterrent posture in the Indo-Pacific theater.

Exercise Talisman Sabre 25 itself is the largest joint military exercise conducted between Australia and the United States, involving thousands of personnel and a wide array of platforms across land, sea, and air domains. The inclusion of the LRHW system in this year’s iteration of the exercise reflects the growing emphasis on high-end warfighting capabilities and interoperability among allied forces. The exercise serves not only as a training opportunity but also as a strategic signal of unity and preparedness in response to evolving regional threats, particularly in light of increasing tensions in the South China Sea and broader Indo-Pacific region.

The LRHW system, developed to deliver conventional warheads at hypersonic speeds exceeding Mach 5, offers a unique combination of speed, range, and precision. Its deployment in Australia allows U.S. forces to hold distant targets at risk with minimal warning, thereby enhancing deterrence and operational flexibility. The system’s mobility and containerized launch architecture further enable rapid repositioning and integration with allied command and control networks. During the exercise, U.S. and Australian forces worked closely to synchronize targeting and operational procedures, reinforcing the depth of their military partnership.

This deployment also carries broader strategic implications. By positioning hypersonic capabilities in Australia, the United States signals its intent to deepen defense cooperation with regional partners and to counterbalance the growing military assertiveness of rival powers. The move aligns with the broader objectives of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy, which emphasizes forward presence, alliance strengthening, and the development of advanced capabilities to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Moreover, the successful integration of the LRHW system into Talisman Sabre 25 sets a precedent for future deployments and exercises. It validates the concept of multi-domain operations, where land-based systems contribute to maritime and air domain effects. The lessons learned from this deployment will inform future iterations of joint exercises and operational planning, paving the way for more seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies across allied forces.

The deployment of the LRHW system to Northern Australia during Exercise Talisman Sabre 25 represents a milestone in U.S. military strategy and technological advancement. It showcases the Army’s ability to project power rapidly and effectively, strengthens the U.S.-Australia alliance, and reinforces the collective resolve of Indo-Pacific partners to uphold regional stability and security. As hypersonic technologies continue to evolve, their role in shaping the future of warfare and deterrence will only grow more prominent.

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