A German-British start-up based in Munich has conducted the first test of a European hypersonic missile. The HS1 prototype, without a warhead, was launched on February 3, 2026, from the Andøya Space Center in Norway, reaching Mach 6 – over 7,400 km/h – according to Hypersonica, founded in 2023. The missile covered a distance of 300 kilometers.
The company aims to have the missile ready for mass production by 2029. The test flight drew attention, as only a few countries – including China, Russia, and the United States – currently possess or are developing hypersonic missiles.
Hypersonica stated the missile is several meters long and weighs more than a ton, but withheld further technical details. The company is headquartered in Munich and has a branch in London.
Reports from Moscow claim Russia has already used hypersonic missiles in the war in Ukraine, which are extremely difficult to intercept due to their speed.
Hypersonica’s founders intend to provide Europe with “the first sovereign capability to deploy hypersonic missiles” by 2029.
Sources – Agencies
