Rusty Dagger

The United States Air Force conducted a live-warhead test of its Extended Range Attack Munition during a demonstration at the Eglin Test and Training Range in Florida, marking a major milestone for the program less than 16 months after the initial contract award. According to the service, the test met all primary objectives, including a full warhead detonation, and collected high-fidelity data needed to mature the system. The event was part of the ERAM program’s accelerated development effort aimed at delivering a new long-range strike capability on a compressed timeline. Zone 5 Technologies confirmed on Sunday that it supported the Air Force during the live-fire testing at Eglin. The company said the demonstration validated the maturity of its “Rusty Dagger” concept, which underpins ERAM’s design and performance goals. “The successful test demonstrated Rusty Dagger's mature, next-generation, affordable long-range strike capabilities, and is testament to what is possible when industry and the Air Force work closely together to mature critical technologies,” the company said in a statement. The Air Force described the test as a new benchmark for the program, highlighting that ERAM progressed from contract award to live-warhead testing in under two years. Officials said the accelerated schedule reflects the War Department’s emphasis on delivering operational capability to combat forces at what it calls the “speed of relevance.” ERAM is a next-generation, air-launched cruise missile designed to provide a precision-guided, standoff strike option against high-value fixed targets. The system is intended to offer what Air Force officials describe as “affordable mass,” enabling commanders to field large numbers of long-range weapons without relying solely on more expensive legacy munitions. By focusing on cost control and rapid producibility, the ERAM program seeks to address a gap in long-range strike capacity as the Air Force adapts to potential high-end conflicts where inventory depth and sustainment are critical. The missile is designed to be produced in large quantities while maintaining accuracy and range sufficient for operations against defended targets. “Moving from a contract to a live-fire demonstration in under two years proves we can deliver lethal, cost-effective capability at the speed of relevance,” said Brig. Gen. Robert Lyons III, Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Weapons. “This is how we rebuild our military — by empowering our teams and industry partners to cut through bureaucracy and deliver the tools our warfighters need to prevail.” The test was conducted through a coordinated effort involving the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Armament Directorate, the 96th Test Wing, and multiple industry partners. Engineers and test conductors at Eglin’s Central Control Facility planned and executed the mission, then analyzed the resulting data using the range’s instrumentation and tracking systems. Air Force officials said the data collected during the test will be used to validate ERAM’s performance and inform the next stages of development, including potential production decisions. The service emphasized that live-warhead testing at this stage reduces technical risk before fielding the system to operational units. “The future fight demands we create an asymmetric advantage by developing cost-effective, attritable systems like ERAM that give commanders the ability to generate mass,” said Brig. Gen. Mark Massaro, commander of the 96th Test Wing. “This test is a critical milestone on that path.” He added that the teams involved provided the data required to ensure the system is ready for operational use when delivered to combat units, noting that validation through testing remains central to the Air Force’s approach to weapons development.

Rusty Dagger

TRENDING NOW

DARPA wants to replace GPS dependence with new class of sensors

Russia resumes Su-57 combat flights along the entire front

Russia is air-lifting air defense systems onto Moscow rooftops

Canada’s new self-propelled howitzer shown at Ottawa expo

French Rafales intercept two Russian Su-30SM fighter jets

About The Defence Blog

Rusty Dagger

U.S. Air Force tests ERAM cruise missile

TRENDING NOW

DARPA wants to replace GPS dependence with new class of sensors

Russia resumes Su-57 combat flights along the entire front

Russia is air-lifting air defense systems onto Moscow rooftops

Canada’s new self-propelled howitzer shown at Ottawa expo

French Rafales intercept two Russian Su-30SM fighter jets

About The Defence Blog