Hypersonics

China conducted a live-fire drill of its DF-17 ballistic missiles, which are capable of traveling at hypersonic speeds. The DF-17 is part of a class of weapons that deliver advanced battle power. This development showcases China's progress in hypersonic technology.

A pan-European consortium led by MBDA France has been formed to develop a counter-hypersonic and anti-ballistic interceptor capability. The consortium, HYDIS2dp, will respond to the EDF-2026-DA-ACC-AIRDEF-EATMI tender. This development aims to enhance European defense capabilities against advanced threats.

The U.S. Navy has awarded Castelion a $23.4 million firm-fixed-price order for the Blackbeard hypersonic weapon, moving it toward early operational use. The contract marks the first production order for the hypersonic missile, which can reach speeds of 3,800 mph.

France is moving forward with its next-generation nuclear cruise missile, the ASN4G, which will fly at hypersonic speeds and launch from Rafale F5 jets. The missile is being developed in partnership with MBDA and is expected to boost France's nuclear deterrence capabilities by 2035. The development of the ASN4G is a significant step in France's efforts to modernize its nuclear arsenal.

India's DRDO has successfully conducted a series of tests for its anti-ship, land attack, ballistic missile defense (BMD), and hypersonic ground attack missiles. The tests demonstrated the country's multi-layered BMD capabilities against long-range ballistic missiles. India aims to join a small group of countries with domestically developed missile defense technology.