Visiongain has published a new report entitled Hypersonic Weapons Market Report 2025–2035 (Including Impact of U.S. Trade Tariffs): Forecasts by Type (Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs), Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (HCMs)), by Launch Platform (Land-based, Sea-based, Air-based, Space-based), by Range (Short-Range (up to 1,000 km), Medium-Range (1,000–3,000 km), Intermediate-Range (3,000–5,500 km), Intercontinental (Above 5,500 km)), by Component (Propulsion Technology, Guidance System, Warhead Type), by Propulsion Technology (Scramjet, Rocket Boosted, Hybrid Propulsion), by Guidance System (Inertial Navigation System (INS), Satellite Navigation, Infrared Homing, Multi-mode Guidance), by Warhead Type (Conventional, Nuclear, Dual-capable), by End-user (Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force/Strategic Command), by Speed Class (Mach 5–Mach 8, Mach 8–Mach 12, Above Mach 12) AND Regional and Leading National Market Analysis PLUS Analysis of Leading Companies.

The global hypersonic weapons market is estimated at US$8,871.5 million in 2025 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.8% during the forecast period 2025-2035.

Impact of US Trade Tariffs on the Global Hypersonic Weapons Market   

The U.S. imposition of tariffs on advanced aerospace materials, propulsion systems, and electronic components nuanced impact on the global hypersonic weapons market. For U.S. defence contractors such as Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, tariffs increase production costs by raising the price of critical inputs, including specialized alloys, thermal protection systems, and high-performance electronics sourced internationally. This can slow supply chain efficiency and extend production timelines. Simultaneously, tariffs act as a strategic measure to restrict the transfer of sensitive technologies to competitors like China and Russia, where hypersonic programs are rapidly advancing. For allied nations in Europe and the Asia-Pacific, these measures may encourage localized supply chain development and investment in domestic capabilities, reducing dependency on U.S. exports. Consequently, while tariffs create short-term cost pressures, they also reshape global supply chains, incentivize domestic innovation, and reinforce strategic divisions in the development and deployment of hypersonic weapons.

Geopolitical Competition Driving Strategic Hypersonic Weapons Development

The global hypersonic weapons market is being propelled by intensifying geopolitical competition among major powers. Nations are racing to achieve technological superiority in hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs) and hypersonic cruise missiles (HCMs), recognizing these systems as critical for deterrence, rapid precision strikes, and overcoming advanced missile defence networks. Military doctrines across North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific increasingly prioritize hypersonic capabilities as a central element of strategic modernization.

In the United States, hypersonic development remains a core defence objective. A May 2025 Congressional Research Service report highlighted U.S. efforts in both glide vehicles and cruise missiles under the Conventional Prompt Global Strike strategy, focusing on precision conventional payloads. Russia, by contrast, is advancing nuclear-capable systems; in August 2025, President Vladimir Putin announced the mass production of the Oreshnik missile, capable of Mach 10 speeds with nuclear or conventional warheads, to be deployed in Belarus. China has similarly showcased the YJ-21 anti-ship hypersonic missile, underscoring its ability to target carrier strike groups in the Western Pacific.

These advancements are prompting Europe to initiate research programs under the European Defence Fund, while Asian powers such as India and Japan are accelerating indigenous development to reduce reliance on foreign technologies. Collectively, this competition is driving sustained demand for hypersonic weapons across land, sea, air, and space platforms, positioning them as a key growth driver in the defence market.

How will this Report Benefit you?

Visiongain’s 463-page report provides 158 tables and 284 charts/graphs. Our new study is suitable for anyone requiring commercial, in-depth analyses for the hypersonic weapons market, along with detailed segment analysis in the market. Our new study will help you evaluate the overall global and regional market for hypersonic weapons. Get financial analysis of the overall market and different segments including type, launch platform, range, component, propulsion technology, guidance system, warhead type, end-user, speed class, and capture higher market share. We believe that there are strong opportunities in this fast-growing hypersonic weapons market. See how to use the existing and upcoming opportunities in this market to gain revenue benefits in the near future. Moreover, the report will help you to improve your strategic decision-making, allowing you to frame growth strategies, reinforce the analysis of other market players, and maximise the productivity of the company.

What are the Current Market Drivers?

Advanced Propulsion and Materials Power Next-Generation Hypersonic Systems

Hypersonic weapons rely on state-of-the-art propulsion systems, heat-resistant materials, and precision guidance technologies. Scramjets, rocket boosters, and hybrid propulsion enable sustained flight above Mach 5, while advanced composites protect vehicles from extreme thermal stress, turning experimental designs into operationally viable platforms with improved range, maneuverability, and reliability.

In the U.S., innovation is accelerating through reusable test platforms. In May 2025, Stratolaunch conducted the second flight of its Talon-A reusable hypersonic vehicle, demonstrating the validation of scramjet propulsion and lightweight alloys through iterative testing, reducing development costs and advancing deployment readiness. Private-sector startups are also driving breakthroughs. In July 2025, Venus Aerospace completed the first flight of a high-thrust Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE), a compact, no-moving-parts system offering enhanced efficiency, thrust, and cost-effectiveness, with applications across defence, space, and commercial aviation.

China has similarly advanced hypersonic capabilities, testing a vehicle with advanced thermal shielding in early 2025, capable of sustained Mach 10 speeds. Concurrent improvements in multi-mode guidance systems—combining inertial navigation, satellite corrections, and infrared homing—enhance accuracy and resilience against countermeasures.

As propulsion and material technologies mature, hypersonic systems are becoming increasingly deployable across land, air, and sea platforms, representing a transformative leap that accelerates the global arms race.

Where are the Market Opportunities?

Counter-Hypersonic Systems Drive Adjacent Growth Across Naval and Joint Forces

While hypersonic strike systems dominate headlines, counter-hypersonic technologies are emerging as a significant growth segment. The threat posed by high-speed, manoeuvrable, and thermally intense hypersonic vehicles has prompted development of both kinetic and non-kinetic solutions, including glide-phase interceptors, extended-range multi-mission missiles, railguns, and high-energy lasers. These systems generate demand for advanced power modules, thermal management solutions, precision projectiles, and AI-assisted fire-control software, creating adjacent markets with near-term procurement opportunities.

Naval forces are leading adoption, leveraging ships’ large power capacities, sensor suites, and combat-system integration capabilities. Japan’s April 2025 testing of a ship-mounted electromagnetic railgun aboard JS Asuka illustrates progress toward a high-rate-of-fire kinetic solution, capable of engaging hypersonic targets with rapid, cost-effective rounds. This drives demand for pulsed-power systems, resilient barrel materials, advanced sabot designs, and precision guidance solutions.

The U.S. Navy is similarly advancing layered sea-based defence. In October 2024, select vessels were slated to receive PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptors to counter high-speed threats from China, prompting joint production efforts in Japan and expanded seeker manufacturing in Florida, alongside integration with Aegis systems.

Collectively, counter-hypersonic portfolios expand the customer base across navies, air forces, and joint commands, stabilize revenue streams, and support interoperable kill-chain development for sustained operational readiness.

Competitive Landscape

The major players operating in the hypersonic weapons market are Lockheed Martin Corporation, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Boeing, MBDA, BAE Systems plc, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), General Dynamics Corporation, Thales Group, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Saab AB, Tactical Missiles Corporation JSC, and Hanwha Group. These major players operating in this market have adopted various strategies comprising M&A, collaborations, investment in R&D, regional business expansion, partnerships, and new product launch.

Recent Developments

• On 14 September 2025, Russia fired Tactical Missiles Corporation JSC developed Zircon hypersonic cruise missile in its joint Zapad exercises with Belarus. The missile was launched from the Admiral Golovko frigate, striking a target in the Barents Sea with a direct hit. These drills included long-range bombers and other assets to test defence coordination.
• On 10 July 2025, Boeing won a contract to furnish the B-1B Lancer bomber with new “Load Adaptable Modular” (LAM) pylons. These exportable pylons (up to six under the fuselage) will allow the B-1B to carry heavy standoff munitions and hypersonic weapons, enhancing its capability. The LAM pylons help bridge capability gaps until the B-21 arrives.
• On 3 June 2025, Lockheed Martin received a $1 billion contract modification from the U.S. Navy to advance work on the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) hypersonic program. The deal covers engineering development, integration, procurement of long-lead items, program management and tooling, with work across multiple U.S. sites. CPS shares a glide-body with the Army’s Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (“Dark Eagle”) and will be deployed from ships, submarines, and ground launchers.

Notes for Editors

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