The UK is making big strides in its bid to at develop a homegrown hypersonic missile, defence secretary John Healey has said, as he unveiled a £1 billion initiative aimed at delivering operational readiness by 2030.

The successful completion of a critical propulsion test sets the stage for developing a game-changing weapon - and is also likely to send a clear signal to the Kremlin about Britain’s intentions and capabilities. Hypersonic weapons, which travel at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound (Mach 5), are a next-generation threat that challenges existing defence systems. Such missiles can bypass conventional missile defence systems by flying at lower altitudes, making them highly difficult to intercept. The successful tests, carried out by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) in collaboration with the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), saw 233 successful propulsion tests conducted over six weeks at the NASA Langley Research Centre in Virginia.

The tests pushed the engine's capabilities to their limits, demonstrating the propulsion system’s potential for powering the next generation of hypersonic weapons.

As tensions between Russia and the West continue to rise, this development represents not only a significant leap forward in UK military technology but also a direct response to Russia’s own hypersonic missile advancements.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has prioritised the development of hypersonic weapons, such as the Zircon missile, which can reach speeds of Mach 8 and is designed to evade interception by current defence technologies.

The UK’s progress in hypersonic propulsion will be seen as a clear signal to the Kremlin that the West is advancing rapidly in its own technological race.

Defence Secretary John Healey hailed the tests as a crucial step in bolstering the UK's deterrent capabilities, stressing the importance of innovation in the face of growing threats.

He explained: “We are living in a more dangerous world and it has never been more important for us to innovate and stay ahead of our adversaries.

“This milestone in hypersonics research demonstrates another crucial area where we are working in lockstep with the United States to bolster our Armed Forces and strengthen our deterrence.”

Dstl’s Chief Executive, Paul Hollinshead, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the strategic importance of the UK's advancements.

He said: “This milestone represents a critical advancement in the UK’s defence capabilities and reinforces our standing in the AUKUS hypersonic weapon development collaboration.

"The success of these tests highlights the UK’s commitment to technological leadership and innovation in this crucial area.”

The successful propulsion test is part of a broader effort to build a hypersonic weapons demonstrator by 2030.

Once completed, this system will give the UK a transformational capability, allowing it to strike targets at previously unimaginable speeds and ranges, outpacing current missile systems.