Munich start-up tests hypersonic missile
Hypersonic missiles could alter the military balance of power. A Munich start-up has tested a European missile in strict secrecy.
Munich (dpa) – A German-British start-up has developed and tested a European hypersonic missile for the first time. The HS1 prototype, which was not fitted with a warhead, was launched on 3 February from the Andøya spaceport in Norway and reached a speed of Mach 6, said the company Hypersonica, which was founded in 2023. This corresponds to more than 7,400 kilometres per hour. According to the company, the missile flew a distance of 300 kilometres. It is expected to be ready for series production by 2029.
The test flight came as a surprise. Only a very small number of countries – including China, Russia and the United States – possess or are developing hypersonic missiles. According to the company, the Hypersonica missile is several metres long and weighs more than one tonne. The firm did not disclose technical details. Hypersonica is headquartered in Munich and has a subsidiary in London.
According to Moscow, Russia has used hypersonic missiles in the war in Ukraine which are extremely difficult to intercept because of their very high speed.
Amid European doubts about the reliability of the United States under President Donald Trump’s administration, Hypersonica’s founders say they want to provide Europe with “the first sovereign hypersonic capability” by 2029.
