The new American cruise missile Rusty Dagger, which is being developed specifically for the needs of the Ukrainian Defense Forces as part of the ERAM program, has passed the stage of full-fledged combat testing.
The new American cruise missile Rusty Dagger, which is being developed specifically for the needs of the Ukrainian Defense Forces as part of the ERAM program, has passed the stage of full-fledged combat testing.
This was announced by the air base's press service, which noted that the tests allowed for the collection of critically important data for this "cost-effective and long-range strike system." As Defense Express reports , the tests took place at the Eglin Air Force Base (USA) and confirmed the high accuracy and destructive power of the product.
The Zone 5 Technologies missile was equipped with a real warhead. The released photos show a powerful explosion typical of an aircraft munition weighing about 500 pounds (227 kg), and also recorded high accuracy in hitting the target.
Although the official announcement probably contains a technical error with the date (it says January 2025), an analysis of the program timeline indicates that the tests took place right now — in early 2026, just 16 months after the actual start of work. This confirms the unprecedentedly fast pace of development.
Features and price Rusty Dagger is created as a cheap alternative to expensive cruise missiles. Main parameters:
Range: about 400 km.
Speed: from Mach 0.6.
Accuracy: +/- 10 meters.
Features: ability to work in conditions of active countermeasures against electronic warfare.
Price: approximately $246,000 per unit.
Scale of the order As early as August 28, 2025, Ukraine was granted permission to purchase up to 3,350 such missiles for a total of $825 million (financing is to be provided by European partners). The main requirement for the manufacturer is the ability to produce up to 1,000 missiles per year.
It is worth noting that in addition to Rusty Dagger, CoAspire is participating in the ERAM program with a similar RAACM missile. Both products are designed to provide Ukraine with massive long-range weapons.
Previously, dev.ua wrote that Ruta cruise missiles and Hornet anti-aircraft drones will receive combat AI , as Shield AI and the company Destinus announced the conclusion of a strategic partnership aimed at integrating the Hivemind autonomy system into all Destinus aerial platforms.
