A German-British startup, Hypersonica, has successfully tested Europe’s first privately developed hypersonic missile, reaching speeds exceeding Mach 6. The test, conducted at Andøya Space in Norway on February 3, marks a significant step in European efforts to develop independent advanced weaponry capabilities.
Germany and Europe Respond to Hypersonic Threats
The test comes amid increased concern over hypersonic missile technology, particularly following Russia’s deployment of its Oreshnik system. Russia has used the Oreshnik twice against Ukraine since November 2024, including a strike on the Lviv region on January 8. The Ukrainian Air Force reported the Oreshnik travelled at approximately 13,000 kilometres per hour.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the Russian strikes as “unacceptable,” and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated they were “meant as a warning to Europe and to the US.” The Oreshnik is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads and has a reported range of up to 5,500 kilometres.
In response to these developments, Germany is significantly increasing its defence spending. The 2026 budget allocates approximately €108.2 billion to defence, a historic increase from around €95 billion in 2025. Chancellor Merz has committed to reaching 3.5% of GDP on defence by 2029.
Germany is also prioritizing European procurement, with approximately 8% of contracts expected to go to US manufacturers.
A Shift in European Defence
Europe has seen a growing reliance on US defence equipment in recent years. Between 2020 and 2024, arms imports from the US to Europe more than tripled. For the first time in two decades, the largest share of US arms exports—35%—went to Europe during that period.
The European Defence Fund is allocating €168 million to hypersonic countermeasures and interception capabilities in its 2026 operate programme.
Hypersonica’s prototype accelerated to over 7,400 kilometres per hour and travelled more than 300 kilometres during the test flight. The company, employing 50 people with a subsidiary in London, aims to have missiles ready for deployment by 2029.
Frequently Asked Questions
What speed did the Hypersonica missile reach?
The Hypersonica missile prototype accelerated to speeds exceeding Mach 6, which is over 7,400 kilometres per hour.
When did the Hypersonica test take place?
The test flight took place on February 3 at Andøya Space in northern Norway.
What is the Oreshnik missile?
The Oreshnik is a Russian hypersonic missile system that has been deployed to Belarus and used twice against Ukraine since November 2024. It can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads and has a reported range of up to 5,500 kilometres.
As Hypersonica progresses toward its 2029 deployment goal, it remains to be seen how this new capability will influence the evolving landscape of hypersonic weaponry and European defence strategy.
