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US Tests New Rusty Dagger Long-Range Cruise Missile Built for Ukraine
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
The United States has completed a full-scale test of the Rusty Dagger cruise missile, developed under the ERAM (Expedited Rapid Advanced Missile) program specifically for Ukraine.
According to Defense Express on February 3, the missile was tested with a live warhead at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.
The test marked a significant milestone in the development of a low-cost, long-range precision strike weapon tailored for Ukrainian use. As Defense Express reports, the missile successfully struck its target with high accuracy, confirming its operational viability.
Rusty Dagger is designed by the US company Zone 5 Technologies. It falls within the 500-pound (227 kg) class of munitions and is capable of striking targets at distances up to 400 kilometers.
During the recent test, the missile’s warhead detonated upon impact, and images released by Eglin Air Force Base indicate a powerful blast effect, consistent with its weight class.
The missile’s specifications include a speed of approximately 0.6 Mach and a precision of within 10 meters. It is also designed to operate in environments affected by electronic warfare (EW). These capabilities align with ERAM program requirements, which prioritize affordability and the ability to mass-produce up to 1,000 units annually.
Zone 5 Rusty Dagger. #AffordableMass pic.twitter.com/Pzj1KnceHC
— AirPower | MIL-STD (@AirPowerNEW1) June 7, 2025
The Defense Express article notes that Eglin’s original press release may have contained a typographical error, stating the test occurred on January 22, 2025.
However, given that the official request for proposals was issued only on January 31, 2024, and contracts followed in October 2024, the correct test date is likely January 22, 2026—approximately 16 months after project initiation.
According to Defense Express, the US approved the sale of ERAM-developed missiles to Ukraine on August 28, 2025. The procurement framework allows Ukraine to acquire up to 3,350 units for a total value of $825 million. These funds are expected to be provided by European partners, bringing the cost per unit to roughly $246,000.
Although production and delivery timelines remain undisclosed, the recent test suggests that the program is progressing rapidly toward deployment readiness.
Rusty Dagger is not the only system being developed under the ERAM program. Another missile, RAACM, is being designed by CoAspire and follows a similar concept. Both missiles are intended to serve as cost-effective alternatives to legacy systems, offering comparable precision and range at a fraction of the cost.
Earlier, Destinus unveiled the upgraded Ruta Block 2 cruise missile, developed for Ukraine with extended range, enhanced stealth, and AI-powered targeting. The system features over 450 km range, a 250 kg warhead, and Western-integrated navigation and combat AI. The missile has reportedly been used in Ukrainian strikes on Russian targets since late 2024.
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-1825f15720036d32dbddc8c6144ab9c3.jpg "NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte addressing Ukraine’s Parliament, February 3, 2026. (Source: StratcomCentre/X)")
