Free Flight to Russian Hypersonic Missiles as America's Own Hypersonics Program Delayed to 2027

Other branches are also developing hypersonic weapons, with the Navy focusing on Hypersonic Air Launched Offensive Anti-Surface (HALO) missiles.

Meanwhile, Russia's deployment of hypersonic weapons in Ukraine underscores their lead in the hypersonics race. Russia's invasion of Ukraine witnessed the first use of hypersonic weapons on the battlefield.

Russia frequently utilizes the air-launched Kh-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic missile, nicknamed the "Dagger," to target Ukraine. Derived from the Iskander-M missile, Kinzhal employs a shortened version of its rocket motor. It can be launched from Tu-22M3 bombers, MiG-31K interceptors, or modified Su-34 fighter-bombers. Originally launched from MiG-31s, Russia has now equipped Su-34 with Kinzhal capabilities.

Despite Russia's claims of invulnerability, a Ukrainian Patriot air defense system reportedly shot down a Kinzhal in May 2022. Subsequently, Ukrainian forces asserted downing six Kinzhal missiles in a single night in May 2023. A Ukrainian Patriot operator revealed that one intercepted Kinzhal in May 2023 traveled at Mach 3.6, significantly slower than Russia's claimed maximum speed of Mach 7.

Late March 2024 saw multiple explosions in Kyiv, attributed to Tsirkon (Zircon) missiles by Ukrainian sources. Adopted by Russian units in January 2023, these missiles boast a range of up to 1,000 km and a warhead power of 300-400 kg. Some targeted Zhulyany airport, beyond the reach of air defense systems at altitudes of 30-35 km. Speculation arose that Zircons were launched from Bastion coastal anti-ship systems.

Ukrainian claims later on suggest intercepting Zircons during certain flight phases where speed decreases, potentially vulnerable to SAMP/T or Patriot anti-missile systems during impact.