The United States successfully tested the new Rusty Dagger cruise missile, developed under the ERAM program specifically for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The tests took place at the Eglin Air Force Base in the southern part of the USA, where the missile with a warhead accurately struck a designated target, demonstrating significant destructive power.
This is reported by Finway
Features of the Tests and Technical Specifications
During the testing, which was accompanied by the recording of all parameters, important data was obtained for further improvement of the long-range and cost-effective strike system. The released photographs clearly show the moment of impact, a strong explosion, and the missile’s accuracy, with a warhead weighing approximately 227 kg (500 pounds).
In a statement from Eglin Air Force Base, it was noted that the testing occurred on January 21, 2025; however, experts suggest that this date may be incorrect. An analysis of the development timelines indicates that the ERAM program actually started after the announcement of the request for proposals on January 31, 2024, and the first tests took place about nine months ago. The order for the missiles was placed in October 2024.
Supply and Potential of the ERAM Program
The United States granted permission to sell the Rusty Dagger missiles to Ukraine on August 28, 2025. Ukraine received the right to purchase up to 3,350 ERAM missiles for a total of $825 million, with funding to be provided by European partners. The estimated cost of one missile is about $246,000. The timeline for the delivery of the first batch has not yet been disclosed.
In addition to the Rusty Dagger missile from Zone 5 Technologies, another promising cruise missile, the RAACM from CoAspire, is also being developed under the ERAM program. Both systems must meet unified requirements: a weight of up to 500 pounds, a flight range of up to 400 km, a speed of 0.6 Mach, an accuracy of ±10 meters, resistance to electronic warfare, low cost, and the ability for mass production — up to a thousand units per year.
“The testing allowed for the collection of critically important data for the development of a new, cost-effective, and long-range strike system,” which is being created on an accelerated schedule.