German startup Hypersonica has conducted the first successful test of its experimental hypersonic rocket prototype.
During the flight, the prototype reached a speed exceeding Mach 6 (equivalent to 7,000 km/h) and a range of over 300 kilometers, according to a statement from the company reported by Defense News.
The tests were conducted on February 3 from a launch pad in northern Norway, and the successful test of the missile, according to the company's statement, represents an important step towards developing the first European hypersonic strike system by 2029.
The statement read: "We are developing a sovereign European strike system within timelines and costs that are meaningful to European governments, including those with limited defense budgets." The company emphasized that Europe "does not need 20 years or billions" of dollars for development and presented a new, rapid, and responsive approach to hypersonic weapons manufacturing.
Following the tests, Hypersonica noted that the startup had become the first private European company to conduct a hypersonic flight, and announced plans to continue launches.
Hypersonica was founded in 2023. Its headquarters are in Munich, and it has a branch office in London.
French President Emmanuel Macron had previously announced the need to develop a special European hypersonic system, similar to the Russian "Oreshnik" system.
