Hypersonic weapons travel up to 20 times faster than traditional missiles and an adversary’s reaction time is thought to be six times shorter. Hypersonic speeds are also vital for both evading enemy defense systems and executing strikes. The Atlantic Council estimates 75% fewer hypersonic weapons would be needed for a mission.

US ARMY OFFERING DEFENSE FIRMS 'CONCIERGE ACCESS' TO TEST WEAPONS AT MILITARY RANGES

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer fires Tomahawk [...] The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance fires a Tomahawk Land Attack Missile in support of Operation Epic Fury at an undisclosed location Feb. 28, 2026. (U.S. Navy/Handout via Reuters)

Startups are hoping to bring down some of the costs to produce hypersonic weapons with more affordable missiles and increased testing capabilities. [...] An Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) fires a Tomahawk land attack missile in support of Operation Epic Fury, on March 1, 2026.

The guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner fires a Tomahawk land attack missile in support of Operation Epic Fury March 1, 2026. (U.S. Navy via Getty Images)