Deployment and use of hypersonic missile systems in different countries
Hypersonic Rocket The "Dagger" on the external sling of a MiG-31 interceptor. Photo by the Russian Ministry of Defense.
In recent years, a number of countries have been developing various types of advanced hypersonic missile systems. Some of these projects have been successful, and several countries have adopted ready-to-use strike systems. Moreover, several of these developments have already been used in actual military operations, striking enemy targets and demonstrating their potential.
Hypersonic weapons in service
Russia is the world leader in hypersonic weapons. Our army received the first products of this class at the end of 2017. Then, in one of aviation Units of the Southern Military District began experimental combat duty using the Kinzhal hypersonic air-launched missile.
Several other systems of this type were subsequently developed and successfully deployed to the military. For example, the Avangard glide vehicle was developed for the Strategic Missile Forces. fleet received the Zircon anti-ship missile, compatible with various carriers.
Currently, hypersonic missiles are in service with three branches of the armed forces: the Air Force, the Navy, and the Strategic Missile Forces. It's possible that similar missiles will be available in the foreseeable future. weapon The ground forces will also receive them. It also cannot be ruled out that Russian industry continues to develop hypersonic technologies, and new systems of this type will appear in the foreseeable future.
Test launch of the Zircon missile. Photo: Russian Ministry of Defense
China is demonstrating significant progress in hypersonic weapons. In 2019, it unveiled its latest land-based mobile system, the Dongfeng-17, for the first time. This system includes a missile with a warhead capable of high-speed gliding. It is believed that by the time of its first unveiling, the DF-17 had entered production and entered service.
There are indications that work in this area is continuing and new models are being developed. For example, earlier this year, foreign media reported on the testing of a new missile system. It is expected that it will enter serial production and be deployed in the near future.
The United States has ambitious plans to develop hypersonic systems and is implementing them. They have already tested and brought the Dark Eagle mobile system to operational trials. Previously, the possibility of adapting its munition for use on naval platforms was considered.
Several other similar weapons projects are also under development in the United States. These primarily involve ground-based systems with varying missile range and speed characteristics. Furthermore, the ARRW air-launched munition program was revived this year; it was initially cancelled in 2023 due to a lack of progress.
In 2021, North Korea tested its Hwasong-8 hypersonic missile system for the first time. Several more test launches followed. According to available data, the North Korean system uses a missile with a glide vehicle. Such a system could have already entered service and strengthened the missile forces. The Hwasongpo-16na system was then developed. Its missile also received a hypersonic warhead.
Testing of the Chinese Dongfeng-17 complex. Still from a Chinese TV report.
In late 2022, Iran announced its first hypersonic missile system. Its industry developed and tested the Fattah-1 system. Just a few months later, in June 2023, the Fattah-2 system was officially unveiled. Both systems feature a high-speed glide vehicle.
India is considered the latest to join the "hypersonic club." In November 2024, it tested its first hypersonic missile. The ET-LDHCM is still in the testing phase, and the completion date remains unknown.
Combat application
Russia was not only the first to field a hypersonic system. Our army also holds the record for using such systems in actual military operations. The first hypersonic missile to hit a real enemy target was the Kinzhal in March 2022. Such missiles subsequently became regularly used. Furthermore, the use of the Zircon missile was reported several times during the Special Operation.
It's worth noting that the Russian military currently has the world's most extensive experience in the combat use of hypersonic weapons. To date, they have used nearly hundreds of munitions of this class. This has allowed them not only to engage a large number of different targets but also to obtain a wealth of valuable information. Clearly, the experience gained from using the Kinzhal and Tsirkon missiles will be used in the development of future systems.
The first launch of the American LRHW Dark Eagle missile. Photo by the US War Department.
The Kinzhal missile's use demonstrated the weapon's overall potential. Theoretical calculations indicating the ability to destroy complex targets were confirmed in practice. For example, thanks to its high kinetic energy, the missile is capable of penetrating thick layers of soil and concrete, delivering its warhead inside a protected structure. This allowed it to destroy several buried enemy targets.
In April 2024, Iran launched a massive missile attack on Israeli military targets. A similar attack was carried out in early October. The next exchange of strikes took place in June 2025. The IRGC missile forces used virtually every type of weaponry available to them in these operations. According to foreign reports, a number of Fattah-series hypersonic missiles were used during the three series of strikes. However, detailed information on the use of such weapons has not been disclosed.
At the threat level
Other countries have not yet used their hypersonic systems. However, they often mention such weapons in high-profile statements and forecasts. For example, North Korea regularly talks about its missile systems, including hypersonic ones, as a vital means of protecting its national interests.
Recently, the US Defense Department, represented by a senior official responsible for hypersonic programs, made characteristic statements of this kind. He stated the maximum range of the new Dark Eagle system and outlined hypothetical scenarios for its use. For example, a missile launched from Guam could theoretically reach targets in mainland China, while Moscow could be targeted from the London area, and so on.
North Korea's Hwasongpo-16na missile system undergoing testing. Photo by KCNA.
It's worth noting that North Korea already has combat-ready missile systems of this new type. They should already be on combat alert, awaiting orders. This means that at a crucial moment, the Hwasong-8, like other missiles, will attack a potential adversary. Meanwhile, the American Dark Eagle is still in the operational testing phase. Furthermore, only a few of these systems have been built. These factors seriously limit the possible combat scenarios and their results. However, this doesn't stop generals from making sweeping assessments.
Compared to these two countries, China stands out. It deployed its first Dongfeng-17 system before North Korea and the United States. It is also likely developing new similar systems. Officials have expressed a willingness to use hypersonic weapons for defense, but have avoided making overly grandiose statements.
Wishes and opportunities
The potential of hypersonic missile systems of various classes and purposes has long been generally unquestioned. Given their exceptional combat capabilities, the militaries of various countries are eager to acquire such weapons and deploy them. A number of countries have already achieved these goals and developed their own hypersonic systems.
The circle of hypersonic weapons possessors is still quite narrow. However, various countries are taking steps to join it. Among them are also states without advanced scientific or military-industrial potential. Despite all the objective limitations, they are succeeding in creating models with the desired characteristics.
At the same time, only two countries have experience with actual combat use. Others haven't ruled out using such weapons, but they haven't yet received the opportunity. What will happen next, and which country will be the next to gain experience with hypersonic missiles, remains unknown.
Nevertheless, it's clear that the topic of hypersonic weapons has attracted the interest of militaries across various countries and will continue to develop. This will lead to the development and deployment of various systems and complexes. Furthermore, such weapons are expected to impact the military and political situation in various regions.
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