The UK teamed up with the US for a series of 223 propulsion tests, all of which were successful, which brings the UK a step closer to developing its own homegrown hypersonic missile
Britain is bolstering its defences and is one step closer to developing its own homegrown hypersonic missile – sending a clear message to the Kremlin. Defence Secretary John Healey has unveiled a £1billion initiative, which will have the missile ready by 2030.
It comes after a series of critical propulsions tests – which pushed the missile’s engine’s capabilities to their limits – were successful, setting the stage for the UK to develop a game-changing weapon. Hypersonic weapons can travel five times the speed of sound and can evade the detection of existing missile defence systems. They fly at lower altitudes, making them incredibly difficult to detect.
The tests were carried out by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), who were working with the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), and involved 223 successful propulsions tests over a six-week period at Virginia’s NASA Langley Research Centre.
It comes amid heightened tensions between Russia and the West and represents a significant leap forward in UK military technology and the government’s commitment to bolstering the UK’s defences. It also comes as Russia continues to develop its own hypersonic missiles.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has prioritised the development of hypersonic weapons, such as the Zircon missile, which can reach speeds of Mach 8 and is designed to evade interception by current defence technologies, reports The Express.
The UK’s progress in hypersonic propulsion will be seen as a clear signal to the Kremlin that the West is advancing rapidly in its own technological race.
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Defence Secretary John Healey hailed the tests as a crucial step in bolstering the UK’s deterrent capabilities, stressing the importance of innovation in the face of growing threats.
He explained: “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.
“This milestone in hypersonics research demonstrates another crucial area where we are working in lockstep with the United States to bolster our Armed Forces and strengthen our deterrence.”
Dstl’s Chief Executive, Paul Hollinshead, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the strategic importance of the UK’s advancements.
He said: “This milestone represents a critical advancement in the UK’s defence capabilities and reinforces our standing in the AUKUS hypersonic weapon development collaboration.
“The success of these tests highlights the UK’s commitment to technological leadership and innovation in this crucial area.”
The successful propulsion test is part of a broader effort to build a hypersonic weapons demonstrator by 2030.
Once completed, this system will give the UK a transformational capability, allowing it to strike targets at previously unimaginable speeds and ranges, outpacing current missile systems.