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Europe has successfully completed the maiden test flight of its new hypersonic missile prototype, a development that could significantly alter the global security landscape. The missile accelerated to speeds exceeding Mach 6, or over 7,400 kilometers per hour, covering a distance of more than 300 kilometers.

A Response to Emerging Threats

This advanced missile is being viewed as Europe's strategic response to the growing capabilities of hypersonic weapons, such as Russia's 'Zircon' (often referred to as 'Oreshnik' in some contexts). The successful test, conducted by a British-German manufacturing initiative, is a crucial step towards enhancing European defense autonomy.

Key Milestones and Future Prospects

The test flight, which took place at the Andøya test range in Norway, saw all systems functioning as intended. Company leaders, including Philippe Kert and Mark Ewenz, hailed the achievement as a pivotal moment for European defense innovation. The data gathered from this flight is expected to be instrumental in the further development of high-speed strike systems and in analyzing the capabilities of potential adversaries.

European Defense Independence

Hypersonica, the private startup behind this initiative, aims to establish Europe's independent hypersonic weapons capability by 2029. This ambitious goal aligns with broader NATO and UK programs focused on developing hypersonic technologies by the end of the decade.

The Evolving Arms Race

The successful test comes at a time when hypersonic weapons are already reportedly being deployed in ongoing global conflicts. Europe's advancements in this domain signal a continued escalation in the global arms race, prompting discussions about the future of international security and military strategy.

This development was reported by Infohub.kz.