The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced plans to develop and deploy a domestically-produced hypersonic cruise missile by the end of the decade, according to a recent report published by The Telegraph on April 27, 2024. This ambitious initiative places the United Kingdom alongside leading military powers such as the United States, Russia, and China in the rapidly evolving hypersonic weapons race.
The hypersonic missile, which the UK MoD (Ministry of Defense) intends to be entirely designed and manufactured within the UK, is slated for completion and deployment by 2030. This development is part of a broader defense strategy under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, highlighted by a substantial £75 billion increase in the defense budget over the next six years.
While still in the preliminary stages, the MoD has yet to finalize the missile’s launch platform. Potential deployment options include land-based systems, naval warships, or aircraft such as the Typhoon or F-35, which could have different ranges and payload capacities.
The decision to pursue a home-grown hypersonic missile underscores the UK’s commitment to advancing its military capabilities and maintaining strategic autonomy in the face of evolving global threats and technological advancements in other countries.