Europe's first hypersonic missile prototype hits Mach 6 speed in test

A German-British defense startup, Hypersonica, has successfully tested Europe’s first privately developed hypersonic missile prototype, reaching speeds exceeding Mach 6 during a February 3 flight in northern Norway. The missile traveled over 300 kilometers while maintaining nominal operation throughout ascent and descent. This test validated system performance at hypersonic speeds and generated critical data to advance maneuverability and flight-control technologies. Hypersonica aims to deploy a sovereign European hypersonic strike capability by 2029, aligning with NATO and UK plans targeting 2030. Founded in December 2023, Hypersonica completed the design, integration, regulatory approval, and launch preparation cycle in just nine months, showcasing a rapid development approach. The company’s modular missile architecture promises development cycles measured in months rather than years and could reduce costs by over 80% compared to traditional defense programs. Hypersonic missiles, capable of speeds above five times the speed of sound with atmospheric maneuverability, pose significant technological challenges due