Hypersonic and Supersonic Weapons Market Key Insights:

The Hypersonic and Supersonic Weapons Market size was valued at USD 17.6 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 49.6 Billion by 2032, with a growing at CAGR of 12.18% over the forecast period of 2024-2032. The hypersonic and supersonic weapons market has gained considerable momentum fueled by advancements in military technology, the need for rapid strike capabilities, and a growing global arms race. Hypersonic weapons, traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound), and supersonic weapons, moving at Mach 2 or higher, have become critical for modern defense strategies. Leading nations such as the United States, Russia, and China are intensifying efforts to develop these technologies, making significant investments in research, testing, and deployment. In 2023, the U.S. Air Force tested its AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW), which is expected to enter service within the next few years. These developments highlight the growing capabilities and increasing investment in hypersonic missile technology.

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One of the primary drivers of growth in the market is the heightened demand for military modernization. Hypersonic weapons’ ability to deliver strikes with minimal warning time, as well as their capacity to bypass existing defense systems, makes them essential in maintaining strategic advantage in future military engagements. Reports indicate that defense budgets globally are allocating increasing resources to hypersonic weapon research, with the U.S. projected to spend over USD 15 billion on these technologies by 2025. Geopolitical tensions, particularly surrounding the expanding military capabilities of Russia and China, are accelerating the need for such advanced weaponry. The competitive military landscape pushes nations to invest in faster, more efficient systems that offer tactical superiority in potential conflicts. Technological breakthroughs in materials science, propulsion, and guidance systems are further accelerating the development of these weapons, improving their accuracy, affordability, and overall deployment ability, thus enhancing global defense capabilities.

Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Innovations in propulsion, materials, and guidance systems enable the development of faster, more accurate hypersonic and supersonic weapons.

• The rising military capabilities of countries like Russia and China drive the need for advanced weapons to maintain strategic superiority​

• The growing emphasis on rapid strike capabilities to minimize response time in conflict situations is pushing the demand for hypersonic weapons​

Hypersonic weapons have been pivotal in modern siege strategy, with a growing need for rapid strike capabilities forcing the military to think faster than ever before. Such systems are thousands of miles away and can fly at speeds of over Mach 5, including Mach 10, which provides a huge tactical advantage as response times will be extremely short compared with existing systems. With their unparalleled speed and agility, they are impossible to monitor and intercept, placing them in a class above in elevated situations. The ability to launch an attack with minimal notice allows military forces to quickly implement decisive actions, gaining a strategic advantage when needed.

Hypersonic development is led by the likes of Russia and the U.S., with examples like the Russian Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle and the U.S. Air Force AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon system (ARRW). This high-end system can strike targets in just minutes, provides short-time deployment, and reduces the risk of vulnerabilities. Advances in military technologies — from artificial intelligence to satellite-guided systems — continue to increase their accuracy and near-real-time targeting.

With increasing geopolitical strains, especially those involving Russia, China, and the U.S., hypersonic weapons have emerged as a fundamental part of strategic deterrence. It follows that the U.S. is planning to spend more than USD 15 billion on hypersonic research for the next five years, a clear indicator of the strategic nature of these systems. Hypersonic weapons are considered a way to enhance defense capabilities and promote strategic dominance in future conflicts given that the global military landscape is prioritizing volume of response over speed and precision with this phenomenon only going to increase over time.

Restraints

• Developing reliable and effective hypersonic systems poses complex technical challenges, particularly with materials, propulsion, and heat management at extreme speeds.

• The advanced technology required for hypersonic and supersonic weapons results in significant research, development, and production expenses, limiting their widespread adoption.

• The lack of extensive real-world operational testing for hypersonic systems restricts their integration into military strategies and makes nations cautious in their investments.

The lack of extensive real-world operational testing for hypersonic systems is a significant constraint for the hypersonic and supersonic weapons market, as it limits their immediate integration into military strategies. Hypersonic weapons, which travel at speeds greater than Mach 5, are still in the early stages of development, and despite successful test flights by countries like the U.S., Russia, and China, their real-world operational effectiveness remains uncertain. This creates hesitation among nations that might otherwise be willing to heavily invest in hypersonic technology. A lack of comprehensive field testing means that militaries cannot fully assess how these weapons will perform in real combat conditions, such as in adverse weather, with varying target types, or during extended missions.

As such, many countries are cautious about making hypersonic weaponry a core component of their defense strategy until they can conduct more extensive testing and evaluation. For instance, while Russia's Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle and the U.S.'s AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) have shown promise in controlled environments, their true operational capabilities remain speculative Moreover, these weapons are intended to operate alongside or replace existing missile systems, adding another layer of complexity to their integration, as military forces must ensure interoperability with legacy systems. In addition, concerns about reliability and the potential for technical failures in actual combat situations contribute to the caution surrounding hypersonic systems. The testing phase is critical for refining the performance of these weapons, ensuring that they can be launched effectively and reliably under various scenarios. Until nations have greater confidence in the functionality and dependability of hypersonic technologies, the rate of investment and adoption will remain conservative. As more nations conduct real-world tests and refine their designs, the hypersonic weapons market will likely see increased investments, but for now, the lack of operational data remains a significant barrier to widespread deployment.

Segment Analysis

By Type

The missiles segment dominated the market and accounted for more than 60.29% in 2023. Primarily due to the strategic importance of missile systems in modern defense operations. Hypersonic missiles, capable of exceeding Mach 5 speeds, offer unparalleled advantages such as rapid deployment, exceptional manoeuvrability, and the ability to evade contemporary missile defense systems. The U.S., Russia, and China have been leading the development and testing of these advanced systems, driven by rising geopolitical tensions and the increasing need for fast, precision-guided strikes. As nations prioritize strategic deterrence and pre-emptive strike capabilities, the demand for hypersonic missiles continues to rise. With ongoing investments, hypersonic missiles are expected to maintain their dominance in the market, with robust growth projected in the coming years.

The glide vehicles segment is expected to register the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.90% during the forecast period. Hypersonic glide vehicles, such as Russia’s Avangard, travel at hypersonic speeds and possess the ability to maneuver mid-flight, making them incredibly difficult to intercept. This segment is gaining significant attention due to the glide vehicles' capacity for precise long-range strikes, reducing the likelihood of interception by advanced missile defense systems. The surge in this market segment can be attributed to innovations in materials and propulsion technology, which enhance the effectiveness and feasibility of glide vehicles. As countries continue to invest in these technologies, the glide vehicles segment is poised for rapid growth, offering advanced capabilities for strategic deterrence and battlefield superiority.

By Speed

The hypersonic weapons segment dominated the hypersonic and supersonic weapons market and represented a significant revenue share of 56.12% in 2023. And is anticipated to register the highest CAGR of 13.55% during the forecast period. Unparalleled speed and capability exist from the hypersonic weapons section speeding at over Mach 5, hypersonic weapons suddenly become much more difficult to shoot down than supersonic systems, making them indispensable in modern defense. Such weapons deliver fast, accurate blows with little notice and this represents an unhelpful tactical benefit in high-stakes wars. Countries such as the U.S., Russia, and China are also making significant investments into hypersonic missile technologies, including Russia's Avangard and the U.S. AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW). The hypersonic weapons market will continue to drive as nations will be forced to improve the speed—right now and beyond the range of anti-ballistic missile systems—accuracy, and reliability of these systems to reinforce and stabilize the gap [in missile threats], receiving further encouragement by geopolitical and security demands, the report said.

Supersonic weapons, which fly faster than Mach 2, are an intermediate step to hypersonic systems and represent a clear advance over subsonic systems in speed, range, and maneuverability. The supersonic weapons market is anticipated to witness substantial growth during the forecast period owing to increasing demand for rapid and high-operable missile systems in a variety of battlefield environments. Improvements in propulsion and materials technology are also making these weapons cheaper and more efficient. With continuous developments, the market for supersonic weapons is anticipated to grow significantly and is an essential part of the overall hypersonic and supersonic weapons market growth trend.

By Range

The short-range missiles segment dominated the market and represented a revenue share of 45.82% in 2023, Driven by the requirements for rapid response and precise strikes in the operation theatre. With ranges normally below 500km, these missiles are gaining traction as a means to defeat battle-space near-range threats like enemy aircraft, drones, and ships. Such short-range systems are being further improved with the advent of lighter, faster propulsion systems and advanced targeting technologies. The short-range missile future looks to be even bigger, as militaries seek speed and mobility, to rapidly deploy weapons for quick local combat victories. Increasing demand for the rapid deployment of defense systems for immediate response against short-range threats to mitigate the damage in regional wars is expected to drive investments in short-range missiles over the forecast period. And as countries continue to modernize their military portfolios, this segment will always be a fundamental defense component.

The long-range missiles are anticipated to register the highest CAGR of 14.77% during the forecast period, Due to the ability of long-range missiles to reach remote high-value targets and offer extended strike capabilities to nations. Hypersonic cruise missiles are equipped it to strike targets thousands of kilometers away, making them a precious asset in modern armament. They are precise; strategic deterrents; and able to strike a target without a need to be on the ground. This drives the investments in these advanced systems because of the ongoing geopolitical tensions among the global powers. With military strategies increasingly prioritizing reach and rapid precision, the long-range missile segment is likely to remain at the forefront of the market, with technology development furthering their utility.

Regional Analysis

North America dominated the market and represented a significant revenue share of 49.23% in 2023 for hypersonic and supersonic weapons market. The region also hosts hypersonic system research and development funded by large US investments. This is the result of continuous geopolitical contests and the demands for advanced defense capabilities leading to both government and private sector engagement. Hypersonic technology has a big pedigree in the U.S. It's conducting high-profile projects including building the AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW). That trend is likely to continue, keeping North America on top of the market​.

The Asia-Pacific region is forecast to register the fastest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during the forecast period. This seemingly exponential growth is driven by the wider military expenditures of nations such as China and India seeking a technological advantage in hypersonic arms. A new defensive architecture is emerging in the region, characterized by continued research and development to maintain the competitive edge. The Asia-Pacific market is anticipated to grow swiftly due to the increasing demand for advanced weapon systems as regional tensions rise​.

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Key Players

• Lockheed Martin – AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW)

• Northrop Grumman – Hypersonic Conventional Strike Weapon (HCSW)

• Raytheon Technologies – Hypersonic Cruise Missile System

• Boeing – Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC)

• BAE Systems – Tempest Hypersonic Aircraft

• General Dynamics – Hypersonic Strike Weapon

• Aerojet Rocketdyne – Advanced Hypersonic Weapon (AHW)

• Airbus Defence and Space – Hypersonic Air Vehicle

• Thales Group – Hypersonic Weapon System Development

• China Aerospace Corporation – DF-ZF Hypersonic Glide Vehicle

• China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) – Dongfeng-17 (DF-17) Hypersonic Missile

• Rostec – Avangard Hypersonic Glide Vehicle

• Tactical Missile Corporation – Zircon (3M22) Hypersonic Cruise Missile

• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) – Shaurya Hypersonic Missile

• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries – Hypersonic Cruise Missile Concept

• Kongsberg Gruppen – Joint Strike Missile (JSM) with Hypersonic Capabilities

• Dynetics – Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV) Technologies

• Raytheon Missiles & Defense – Hypersonic Tactical Cruise Missiles

• Sagem (Safran) – AASM Air-to-Ground Guided Munition

• Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) – I-Derby ER (Extended Range) Missile with Hypersonic Capabilities

Recent Developments

• March 2024: Stratolaunch (US) completed the first powered flight of its Talon-A test vehicle, reaching speeds approaching Mach 5. This marked a significant milestone in hypersonic testing​.

• May 2024: The Department of Defense's LIFT Institute (US) initiated the planning phase for a new hypersonic and extreme environment test facility in Michigan, aimed at accelerating testing for hypersonic materials.