US tests new Rusty Dagger missile for Ukraine, range 400 km
Photo: Rusty Dagger missile (Getty Images)
The US conducted a live-fire test of the Rusty Dagger cruise missile for Ukraine, developed under the ERAM program, according to RBC-Ukraine.
The missile is being developed by the US company Zone 5 Technologies under the ERAM (Extended Range Attack Munition) program. During the latest testing phase, the munition hit a designated target with high precision, confirming its effectiveness.
The tests took place at the Eglin Air Force Base test range in the southern United States. The base’s press office said the testing made it possible to collect critically important data for the further development of a cost-effective, long-range strike system being created under an accelerated program.
Photos of the missile impact and warhead detonation were also released during the tests. The images show high strike accuracy and a powerful explosion, given that the munition weighs about 500 pounds (227 kg).
At the same time, the Eglin Air Force Base statement likely contains an error in the dates. It says the tests took place on January 22, 2025, more than a year ago. However, the ERAM program for Ukraine only effectively began in late January 2024, and the missile’s first flight tests took place about nine months ago.
Approval for the sale of the missiles to Ukraine was granted on August 28, 2025. In total, Ukraine has been authorized to purchase up to 3,350 missiles under the ERAM program for $825 million, to be financed by European partners. The estimated cost of one missile is about $246,000, making Rusty Dagger significantly cheaper than most comparable systems. The timeline for transferring the missiles to Ukraine has not yet been announced.
In addition to Rusty Dagger, the company CoAspire has also developed a conceptually similar cruise missile, RAACM, under the ERAM program.
US senators have urged Trump to transfer Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine.
