The United Kingdom has set a bold goal to develop and field indigenously designed hypersonic missiles by the end of this decade. This initiative represents a significant stride in the nation’s quest to maintain a competitive edge in advanced military technologies. The urgency is palpable as the UK seeks to parallel the hypersonic advancements of global powers—Russia, and the United States—each of whom have made considerable strides in this domain.
According to recent reports, the UK’s Defence Ministry has emphasized the necessity for these weapons to be crafted entirely within British shores. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has earmarked the hypersonic missile project as a key beneficiary of the planned £75 billion increment in defence expenditures over the next six years. This considerable investment underscores the weight of hypersonic capabilities in the UK’s future defence strategy.
The complexity of engineering hypersonic missiles is exemplified by the challenges faced in creating materials that can withstand the tremendous heat generated at speeds surpassing Mach 5. Engineers in the UK are also pushing the envelope in developing a British variant of a “scramjet” engine. This technology employs compressed air at supersonic velocities to enhance the combustion process of fuel, presenting a crucial component in realizing hypersonic flight.
As opposed to typical missile projects which often involve international collaborations, the UK has embarked on an unconventional route with its hypersonic program, relying on a consortium of around 80 companies coordinated by the MoD to propose potential designs. It has been noted that this national mission commenced in late December, fostering a collaborative environment to innovate and overcome the technical hurdles inherent in hypersonic technology.
The operational flexibility of hypersonic missiles is significant. These weapons, capable of exceeding 4,000 miles per hour, can outmaneuver air defense systems and have the ability to change trajectory mid-flight, rendering them particularly formidable. The desire for such capabilities is evident as adversaries have showcased their hypersonic potential; Russia has notably utilized its ZM22 Zircon missiles to demonstrate their threat to Western military forces.
The United States has made tangible progress with a successful test flight over the Pacific Ocean. Despite enduring setbacks, the successful deployment of hypersonic weapons is within Washington’s near-term objectives. Meanwhile, the UK has signaled a readiness to commit up to £1 billion over the next seven years into the hypersonic project through the defence consortium. However, a critical debate ensues on the viability and cost-effectiveness of these weapons relative to existing munitions.
Furthermore, the UK’s initiative may benefit from synergies with international partners through the AUKUS partnership. This collaboration with the US and Australia could facilitate access to even more advanced hypersonic weapons systems, namely glide vehicles.
Relevant articles:
– Europe Will Have 600 Hypersonic Missile & Laser-Armed F-35s by 2030 , Warrior Maven, 04/29/2024
– Britain to deploy homegrown hypersonic missile by 2030, The Telegraph, 04/27/2024
– UK to develop hypersonic cruise missiles by 2030, Türkiye Newspaper, 04/29/2024
– The Telegraph: UK to develop its hypersonic missile by 2030 to catch up with China, Russia, and US, Euromaidan Press, 04/28/2024
– UK to develop hypersonic missiles to catch up with China and Russia by 2030 – report, Sky News, 04/28/2024