While the United States and Russia have the most advanced hypersonic weapons programs, several other countries, such as China, Australia, India, France, Germany, South Korea, North Korea, and Japan, are also researching and developing hypersonic technology.
China
Hypersonic weapons are the focus of China’s extensive research and development infrastructure. In March 2018, Michael Griffin, the then-US Secretary of Defense (R&E), stated that China had conducted 20 times more hypersonic experiments than the United States. In September 2018, China conducted tests on three hypersonic vehicle models (D18-1S, D18-2S, and D18-3S), each of which displayed distinct aerodynamic properties. The purpose of these experiments, according to analysts, maybe to assist China in the development of weapons that can travel at varying speeds, including hypersonic speeds. In the same vein, China uses the Lingyun Mach 6+ high-speed engine, also known as the “hypersonic air-breathing engine,” as a test platform for the development of heat-resistant components and technologies for hypersonic cruise missiles.
China is also making substantial investments in hypersonic ground test facilities, according to Jane’s Defence Weekly. For instance, the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Center asserts that it operates 18 wind tunnels, while the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics is known to operate at least three hypersonic wind tunnels, FD-02, FD-03, and FD-07, each capable of attaining speeds of Mach 8, 10, and 12, respectively. China also operates the JF-12 hypersonic wind tunnel, capable of achieving velocities of Mach 5 to 9, and the FD-21 hypersonic wind tunnel, capable of achieving speeds of Mach 10 to 15. The JF-22 wind tunnel, which is capable of attaining speeds of Mach 30, was expected to be completed in 2023. Furthermore, the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center and the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center are widely known for China’s hypersonic weapon testing.
Australia
Under the Hypersonic International Flight Research Experimentation (HIFiRE) program, the United States and Australia have been collaborating since 2007 to advance hypersonic technologies. Effectively conducted in July 2017, the most recent HIFiRE test examined the flight dynamics of a hypersonic glider traveling at Mach 8. In contrast, previous tests investigated scramjet technologies. SCIFiRE, the successor to HIFiRE, aims to advance scramjet technologies. Demonstration tests are anticipated to be conducted in the mid-2020s. Australia maintains seven hypersonic wind tunnels and can test speeds of up to Mach 30 in addition to the Woomera testing range, which is one of the largest weapon testing sites in the world.
India
India and Russia collaborated to develop the BrahMos II, a hypersonic cruise missile with a speed of Mach 7. Originally scheduled for deployment in 2017, reports indicate substantial delays in the program. Operational readiness is now anticipated to occur between 2025 and 2028. India successfully tested a Mach 6 scramjet in June 2019 and September 2020 and is currently in the process of developing an indigenous dual-use hypersonic cruise missile as part of its Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle program. Furthermore, reports state that India tested a domestically developed hypersonic weapon with a range of approximately 930 miles in November 2024. India maintains approximately 12 hypersonic wind tunnels that are capable of evaluating speeds of up to Mach 13.
France
France has collaborated with Russia to advance hypersonic technology. Since the 1990s, France has been investing in hypersonic research; however, it has only recently disclosed its intention to weaponize the technology. In June 2023, France successfully tested a modified version of its supersonic air-to-surface missile ASN4G for hypersonic flight as part of the V-max (Experimental Maneuvering Vehicle) program. Certain analysts assert that the V-max program aims to provide France with strategic nuclear capabilities. France maintains five hypersonic wind tunnels that are capable of evaluating speeds of up to Mach 21.
Germany
Germany successfully tested the SHEFEX II experimental hypersonic glider in 2012. Nevertheless, reports indicate that Germany may have ceased funding the program. As part of the EU’s ATLLAS II project, DLR, a German defense contractor, is currently investigating hypersonic systems. The project’s objective is to create vehicles that can achieve velocities between Mach 5 and 6. Three hypersonic wind tunnels are in operation in Germany, with a maximal test speed of Mach 11.
South Korea
The Hycore land-based hypersonic cruise missile, which is capable of velocities exceeding Mach 6, has been reportedly under development by South Korea since 2018. According to Janes, South Korea is developing the missile in response to concerns about North Korea’s military modernization. It is anticipated that the missile will ultimately include variants that can be launched from the sea and the air.
North Korea
North Korea tested the Hwasong-8 in September 2021, claiming it to be a hypersonic glide vehicle. However, reports indicate that it only attained a speed of Mach 3. In January 2022, North Korea asserted a second hypersonic weapon test; however, experts suspect that it may involve a maneuvering warhead.
Japan
Finally, Japan is in the process of developing a Hypersonic Cruise Missile (HCM) and a Hypervelocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP). It is anticipated that the HVGP will be deployed for carrier neutralization missions and area suppression. A more sophisticated hypersonic variant is anticipated for 2030, while a supersonic version of the HVGP is scheduled to be operational by 2026. Additionally, it is anticipated that the HCM will be operational by 2030. In addition to Japan’s Aerospace Exploration Agency’s three hypersonic wind tunnels, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and the University of Tokyo maintain additional facilities. The Ministry of Defense has announced that Japan and the United States have reached an agreement to conduct a “joint analysis” that will concentrate on future collaboration in counter-hypersonic technologies.
Other Nations
Iran, Israel, and Brazil have conducted fundamental research on hypersonic aerodynamics and propulsion systems; however, they may not be presently pursuing the development of hypersonic weapons. Furthermore, numerous nations are conducting tests on systems that are becoming increasingly maneuverable and travel at hypersonic velocities.