Hypersonic and supersonic weapons

Below are pictures of hypersonic and supersonic weapons as featured in Blueprint June 2026

Updated On: Jun 10 2026 | 7:25 AM IST

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Kinzhal hypersonic missile is Russian air defence’s air to strike missile, which has been extensively deployed in the Russia-Ukraine war. The missile fired with a supersonic interceptor, MiG-31k, has high maneuverability and is characterised by the ability to carry both conventional and nuclear warheads with a reported range of around 2,000 kilometres (km) and a speed up to Mach 10. (Photo: Reuters)

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In April, the United States (US) Navy and Raytheon signed a contract modification deal worth about $833 million to upgrade the RIM-162 ESSM (Evolved SeaSparrow Missile) Block 2 missiles and spares for the US and its allies. ESSM is a supersonic, medium-range, ship-launched surface-to-air-missile that provides the naval forces with point-and area-defence capability. (PHOTO: Raytheon)

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In late December, the US revealed new details of its long-range hypersonic weapon system, Dark Eagle, including a range of approximately 3,500 km. It is a trailer-launched hypersonic boost-glide vehicle system that is designed for high speed precision strikes and can travel long distances at terminal speed, exceeding Mach 5. (Photo: US CENTCOM)

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According to a report by Defence Express in April, the French government is planning to combine its V-MAX hypersonic glider with a long-range ballistic missile, as part of the country’s nuclear deterrence strategy. The ArianeGroup, a European aerospace company, is developing the V-MAX glider, which will eventually be mounted on the missile to create a long-range hypersonic weapon. (Photo: ArianeGroup)

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The United Kingdom received the first upgraded M270 multiple launch rocket systems earlier this year. These launchers can fire 12 surface-to-surface guided multiple launch rocket system (GMLRS) or extended-range GMLRS rockets, four precision strike missiles or two army tactical missile systems faster and farther than any of its predecessors, according to its manufacturer Lockheed Martin. (PHOTO: Lockheed Martin)

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Ursa Major, a US aerospace and defence company, completed 10 consecutive flights of its Hadley liquid rocket engine at sustained hypersonic speeds with Stratolaunch in April. The Hadley engine is a flight-proven liquid oxygen (LOX)-based propulsion system designed for hypersonic applications and space launches. (PHOTO: URSA MAJOR)

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For the first time, Iran claimed to have used its hypersonic gliding missile, Fattah-2, against an Israel Defense Forces’ command centre, on February 28. The missile uses a liquid-fuel engine and acrodynamic fins to change trajectory mid-flight, making interception difficult, according to a report by the Caspian Post. (PHOTO: Reuters)

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Written BY :

Syed Muskan Shafiq

Syed Muskan is a sub-editor at Business Standard, Blueprint.

First Published: Jun 10 2026 | 7:25 AM IST

In this article : Israel Iran Conflict Russia Ukraine Conflict US Navy