Anglo-German startup Hypersonica has successfully carried out the maiden test of a privately developed hypersonic missile in Europe. The Munich-based firm reported that the prototype surpassed Mach 6 (7,409 kilometers/4,604 miles per hour) and achieved a range exceeding 300 kilometers (186 miles). All onboard systems functioned as expected during both ascent and descent, with performance validated down to the subcomponent level at hypersonic speeds.
The company completed the test flight within nine months of launching the project and is targeting full development by 2029 under a phased roadmap. Upcoming trials will focus on sustained hypersonic cruise, advanced control at extreme speeds, complex maneuvering, and eventual full mission capability. A recent 23-million-euro ($28-million) funding round will support the next phase, including scaling the prototype into a full-size missile for testing in the first quarter of fiscal 2026.
Hypersonica stated that its modular missile architecture enables rapid upgrades and significantly shorter, more cost-effective development cycles—cutting expenses by over 80 percent compared to conventional methods. Jeannette zu Fürstenberg, President and Managing Director at General Catalyst, described the company’s approach as “software-enabled mass hardware,” allowing continuous capability upgrades through software rather than hardware redesign. This method facilitates extensive simulation and debugging prior to live testing, accelerating iteration and minimizing risk. Although unit costs remain undisclosed, the company said they are substantially lower than those of comparable systems developed through traditional procurement models.
The development comes amid broader European efforts in hypersonic technology, including the United Kingdom’s hypersonic cruise missile program, supported by an estimated £1 billion ($1.31 billion) investment.
