Land-based Hypersonic Weapons: Planning and Development

Key Chapter Title List

1. Definition and Classification of Hypersonic Weapons
2. "True" Hypersonic Weapons in Practical Application
3. Development Background and Technical Parameters of the U.S. LRHW "Dark Eagle" System
4. Test Setbacks and Restart of the U.S. LRHW
5. Budget Support and Deployment Planning for the U.S. LRHW
6. French VMaX Hypersonic Glide Vehicle Project
7. Flight Tests and Technological Advancement of the French VMaX
8. Japanese HVGP Island Defense Hypersonic Glide Projectile System
9. Testing and Derivative Model Development of the Japanese HVGP
10. Japanese Hypersonic Cruise Missile Development
11. Overview of Land-Based Hypersonic Weapon Projects in Other Countries

Document Introduction

Globally, Western countries continue to advance the research and development of land-based hypersonic weapon systems (HWS). However, despite achieving some phased results, progress in testing and operational deployment remains below expectations. Hypersonic weapons are characterized by a core flight speed exceeding Mach 5, and more crucially, by possessing in-flight maneuverability. They are primarily divided into two categories: hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs) and hypersonic cruise missiles (HCMs). The combination of their speed and maneuverability is considered to enable them to effectively penetrate existing air defense and missile defense systems.

This report focuses on the development of land-based hypersonic weapons in Western countries such as the United States, France, and Japan, while also considering the dynamics of related projects in other countries, forming a comprehensive framework for technical and strategic analysis. The report first clarifies the definitional boundaries of hypersonic weapons. Through the case of the Russian "Kinzhal" missile interception controversy and the practical application of the "Zircon" missile, it establishes the core criteria for determining a "true" hypersonic weapon.

The core section of the report provides a detailed analysis of the development history of the U.S. Army's "Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon" (LRHW, also known as "Dark Eagle"). This includes the technical foundation of its joint development with the Navy, the core design of the Common-Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB), analysis of the causes behind multiple test failures, and the key significance of the successful joint flight test in June 2024. It also elaborates on the U.S. budget investment, contractual arrangements, and deployment plans for this weapon, including specific plans to equip operational battalions for the Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF).

Regarding the French VMaX project and the Japanese HVGP system, the report separately outlines their development backgrounds, technological pathways, flight test results, and timelines. The French VMaX project, as a measure to address great power competition, relies on international cooperation to advance technology verification. The Japanese HVGP system, with island defense as its core objective, develops derivative models with different ranges and performance in phases, while simultaneously laying out a hypersonic cruise missile project.

Furthermore, the report provides an overview of related R&D dynamics in other countries such as South Korea and India, demonstrating the global proliferation trend of land-based hypersonic weapon technology. By integrating technical parameters, test data, budget allocations, and deployment strategies from various national projects, this report provides an authoritative and detailed reference for understanding the current state and future trajectory of the global hypersonic arms race. It holds significant value for defense research, geopolitical analysis, and policy formulation.