Understanding the threat: Hypersonic missiles and why they matter
05 Feb 25
Electronic Warfare
Written by Andy Rogerson, EW & Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Training & Consultancy Expert
The world of defence is rapidly evolving, and one of the most talked-about innovations is the rise of hypersonic missiles. These advanced weapons are fast, precise and have the potential to change the way nations approach military strategy. But what exactly are hypersonic missiles, and why do they pose such a significant threat?
Let’s take a closer look at these cutting-edge weapons, their flight profiles, speed ranges, and the unique challenges they bring to modern defence systems.
What is a hypersonic missile?
In simple terms, a hypersonic missile is one that travels at speeds greater than Mach 5, or five times the speed of sound. To put that in perspective, the speed of sound is roughly 1,225 kilometres per hour (760 miles per hour) at sea level. Hypersonic speeds, however, can exceed 6,125 kilometres per hour (3,800 miles per hour) — faster than a jet fighter, and certainly faster than any conventional missile we’ve seen before.
However, speed isn’t the only feature that makes hypersonic missiles so unique. They also fly at lower altitudes than traditional ballistic missiles, often skimming the edge of space. This combination of speed and flight profile makes them a tricky target for current defence systems. So, how do these missiles work, and what are the different types?
Flight profiles: How hypersonic missiles travel
Hypersonic missiles come in two main types: Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs) and Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (HCMs). Let’s explore how each one flies.
Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs)
HGVs are launched into space aboard a rocket, before gliding back down through the atmosphere. Once they re-enter, they travel at extreme speeds, often following unpredictable flight paths. These missiles don’t follow the predictable arc of traditional ballistic missiles, instead swooping and weaving to avoid interception.
These missiles typically travel at altitudes of around 20 to 60 kilometres, in what’s called the "upper atmosphere," before diving towards their target. The speed of the missile also means that it’s on target in a matter of minutes, leaving little time for defensive measures to be taken.
Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (HCMs)
HCMs are powered by scramjet engines, allowing them to fly at hypersonic speeds while staying within the atmosphere for their entire flight. Unlike the HGVs, which rely on a rocket to get them into space, HCMs use their engines to maintain speed and altitude. These missiles are highly manoeuvrable, capable of adjusting their course mid-flight to avoid interception.
HCMs typically fly at lower altitudes than HGVs, between 20 and 30 kilometres. This allows them to remain under the radar, making them harder to detect by conventional early-warning systems. The ability to change course and fly at lower altitudes gives these missiles a significant advantage over traditional cruise missiles, which fly on predetermined paths and are much easier to track.
Speed and range: Why hypersonic missiles are so fast
The speed of hypersonic missiles is what sets them apart from other weapons systems. As we mentioned earlier, they travel at speeds greater than Mach 5. However, the real concern isn’t just how fast they can go — it’s how quickly they can reach their target.
When launched at ranges lower than about 800-1000 km, a Mach 8 hypersonic missile flight time might be in the order of 5-6 mins, leaving little to no time for a response, meaning early detection across multiple domains is essential.
Why hypersonic missiles are a threat
So, what makes hypersonic missiles such a serious concern for national security?
Speed and precision
As we’ve already discussed, the incredible speed of hypersonic missiles means that they can hit their targets in a fraction of the time it would take a traditional missile. They’re also incredibly precise, able to strike specific targets with pinpoint accuracy. This combination of speed and precision makes them a devastating weapon, capable of overwhelming even the most advanced defences.
Limited response time
When a hypersonic missile is launched, the window for a response is incredibly short. In many cases, by the time a missile is detected, it may already be too late to take any meaningful action. This means that countries need to have fast and reliable countermeasures in place.
Escalation risks
The development of hypersonic missiles by multiple countries has the potential to increase global tensions. With such powerful weapons in play, nations might feel more inclined to use them in the event of a conflict. Due to the limited response time, the risk of accidental escalation is higher. A hypersonic missile strike could trigger a rapid and uncontrollable chain of events, leading to a larger conflict.
Potential to bypass defences
Unlike conventional missiles, which are often intercepted by ground-based or satellite-based defence systems, hypersonic missiles can change course mid-flight. Whilst this can make them harder to intercept with existing technology, it also poses interesting and potentially unique countermeasure opportunities if incoming threats can be forced to manoeuvre. Ultimately, the threat they pose to nations’ critical infrastructure, military bases, and even urban areas is significantly higher.
What’s being done to counter the threat?
The hypersonic threat is not indefensible. Their very attributes create opportunities for targeted countermeasures. Given the challenges hypersonic missiles present, countries around the world are ramping up efforts to develop defences. This includes advanced radar systems, faster interception technologies and countermeasures that target the nature of the hypersonic threat.
In addition to military advancements, there are also ongoing international discussions about the regulation and control of hypersonic weapons. As with any new technology, it’s important to establish frameworks that promote transparency and reduce the risk of miscalculation or misuse.
Conclusion: Not so scary, but still a threat
While hypersonic missiles are undeniably a significant threat, the sky isn’t falling just yet. There is time for nations to strengthen their defences and create international agreements that limit the spread of these weapons. The focus must be on innovation, collaboration and ensuring that these powerful tools are kept under control.
Understanding the threat posed by hypersonic missiles is the first step toward developing solutions to counter them. By staying informed and working together, we can help mitigate the risks and ensure a safer, more secure future.
Detection and countermeasures are absolutely vital in keeping our country safe. Our Fundamentals of EW course offers a great introduction to the foundations of electromagnetic warfare and helps learners to understand more about emergent threats. To find out more or book onto a course, click here.
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