In a collaborative effort over six weeks, teams from the United Kingdom and the United States conducted 233 trial runs of a sophisticated high-speed missile prototype capable of reaching speeds measured in thousands of kilometers per hour.
This team completed hundreds of “static tests” on a propulsion system that will power a “cutting edge”
hypersonic cruise missile
to be unveiled before the decade concludes, the UK government declared on Sunday.
“We are living in a more dangerous world and it has never been more important for us to innovate and stay ahead of our adversaries, equipping our forces with the technologies of the future,” John Healy, the UK’s defence secretary, said in a statement.
However, the UK is not alone among European nations in its focus on developing advanced weaponry; the European Union has recognized
hypersonic weapons
As one of its “crucial and fundamental technologies” in air and missile defense, which will play a vital role in the continental rearmament efforts mentioned in a March white paper focused on defense preparedness.
So, what are these weapons and what can they do?
What are hypersonic weapons?
Hypersonic weapons can reach velocities exceeding Mach-5 (over 6,100 kilometers per hour), which is five times the speed of sound, and they retain the ability to maneuver during their flight.
Such weaponry might consist of long-range strike missiles capable of being deployed from land, sea, or air. These typically travel at altitudes below those of ballistic missiles, making them potentially more challenging to detect over longer ranges.
According to the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, hypersonic missiles can re-enter the atmosphere at higher velocities compared to traditional ballistic missiles, which typically follow a curved path before being directed precisely towards their intended targets.
Hypersonic missiles can serve multiple purposes, including targeting critical assets, conducting far-reaching precise attacks, and bolstering nuclear deterrence.
The primary categories of hypersonic missiles include hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs), which function as warheads launched from ballistic missiles, and hypersonic cruise missiles (HCMs) that utilize air-breathing engines to achieve their high velocities.
Airplanes and weapons that launch projectiles may also possess hypersonic capabilities.
In 2023, a United Kingdom government document stated that the maneuverability, altitude, and speed of hypersonic missiles could present difficulties for defense systems designed to intercept ballistic weapons.
This might involve delayed identification and reduced time for the target to make choices and react,” the document states. “Current missile defense systems would have to be modified to effectively combat hypersonic missiles, potentially necessitating considerable financial outlay.
In which nations do hypersonic missiles already exist?
The inaugural appearance of a hypersonic weapon before the global audience occurred with China’s DF-17, which made its debut at a military parade marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic in 2019.
According to Chinese media reports at that time, the DF-17 was characterized as a short to medium-range missile with the capability to reach areas including the South China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, and Northeast Asia.
In March 2022, according to an article by Euronews Next, the Russian Ministry of Defense supposedly employed the Kinzhal hypersonic missile against a ammunition plant and a fuel storage facility, which appeared to be the initial instance of its use during actual hostilities.
In December, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke on Russian TV about the use of a hypersonic weapon called ‘Oreshnik’ which travels at Mach-10, or 10 times the speed of sound (over 12,300 km/h).
According to reports from The Associated Press, Russian forces believe the Oreshnik missile has the range to reach any European target.
On March 10, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced their potential backing of a $200 million (€182.6 million) agreement with Japan aimed at supporting Tokyo’s development of “hyper velocity gliding projectiles” (HVGP).
These arms are regarded as rapid, economical guided missiles capable of being launched from various artillery systems. In the Japanese context, they will particularly enhance the defense of the nation’s isolated island territories within the archipelagic structure.
Earlier this month, the EU Commission mentioned in a white paper that within Europe, hypersonic missiles will be included as part of an “all-encompassing, multi-tiered aerial and missile defense system designed to shield against all types of airborne threats.”
Euronews Next contacted the EU Commission to obtain an estimation of the number of hypersonic weapons required for Europe’s military rebuilding; however, they have not yet received a prompt response.
The Commission has already allocated at least €80 million via the European Union Defence Fund (EUDF) to the Hypersonic Defense Interceptor System program. It is currently evaluating various interceptors with the aim of ultimately selecting one to address hypersonic threats.
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