Turkey launches mass production of hypersonic missile in 2026, ambitions to reach the cutting edge

Roketsan has announced the launch of mass production

At a recent event in the defense industry, the Turkish concern Roketsan officially announced that mass production of a new hypersonic missile will begin in 2026. This is not just an announcement, but Ankara's bid for a place in the club of countries capable of creating and using one of the most sophisticated weapons of the 21st century.

Roketsan, already known for its tactical missiles and ATGMs, is now betting on super-speed.

What is known about the Turkish hypersonic missile

Details are still scarce. The exact speed, range, and engine type have not been officially disclosed. But according to indirect data and statements by experts, we are talking about a rocket capable of reaching speeds of Mach 5 and above — that is, a real hypersonic system.

It is expected that it will use a combined power plant: a solid-fuel accelerator at launch and, possibly, a ramjet engine at the launch site. The goal is to defeat both land and sea targets with minimal reaction time.

Why 2026 is not just a date, but a challenge

2026 is an ambitious deadline. For a country that was dependent on imports in the field of armaments 15 years ago, to enter mass production of hypersonic weapons in such a time is a giant leap. This requires not only engineering solutions, but also its own base of materials science, aerodynamics, control systems and testing infrastructure.

Turkey is actively building landfills, attracting scientists, and investing in research and development. And if the deadlines are met, it will become a symbol of its technological rise.

Turkey in the race for speed

China, Russia, and the United States are currently leading the hypersonic race. India and France are on the way. Turkey is not an obvious participant, but its strategy is clear.: become independent from suppliers and create weapons that can penetrate modern air defense systems.

A hypersonic missile is not just a strike force. It is a deterrent tool. And its appearance will change the balance of power in the region — from the Mediterranean to the Middle East.

Sources

1. BusinessMir.kz — specifications and production plans for Tayfun Block-4
2. RBC — unveiling of the missile at IDEF 2025
3. Hi-Tech Mail.ru — technical overview and future applications
4. Lenta.ru — presentation and strategic importance for Turkey
5. AiF Moskva — details on Turkey’s first hypersonic missile
6. Kommersant — official Roketsan statement and missile details
7. RTVI — analysis of Tayfun Block-4’s impact on regional power balance

L3Harris Technologies has launched the production of a second-stage missile warning system within the framework of the new generation of US space defense

 L3Harris Technologies has launched production of its latest missile attack warning and tracking system, marking an important milestone in the development of a new generation of multi-layered defense architecture in the United States. This second stage system of the United States Space Development Agency (SDA) is designed to detect, track and target modern missile threats in real time, including ballistic and hypersonic missiles.

The project is part of a large-scale program to create a space constellation of satellites that will provide global, continuous monitoring of missile launches and the movement of threats. In particular, the system will use infrared sensors and laser communication lines to quickly exchange information with ground or aerial platforms, allowing effective coordination of enemy interception. The launch of satellites and the start of equipment production is planned for 2025, which brings the deployment of this technology as a key element of national missile defense.

L3Harris works in collaboration with other contractors such as Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman under multibillion-dollar Space Development Agency contracts. These programs are aimed at providing early warning and high-precision surveillance of hypersonic and ballistic missiles, which is a response to the growing modern security threats.

Thus, the launch of the new L3Harris system takes a significant step towards the implementation of the advanced space defense architecture of the United States, capable of detecting and tracking complex missile threats in real time and providing more effective protection of strategic facilities.

Being watched from above: The United States is preparing a network of satellites to track any movement on Land and at sea

 The American Space Force is taking a giant step into the future of exploration. Next year, they plan to launch a new generation of satellites capable of tracking any moving targets on earth and in the ocean — from tanks and columns of equipment to ships and submarines. This was stated by Lieutenant General DeAnna Burt, Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Cybersecurity and nuclear Weapons, during a speech at a virtual discussion organized by the Mitchell Institute.

This large—scale project is the result of the joint work of the US Space Forces and the National Directorate of Intelligence (NRO). This is not just another satellite constellation, but a full-fledged integrated tracking system that should dramatically enhance the Pentagon's combat capabilities in a modern war where speed and accuracy of data decide everything.

According to Burt, the first satellites with the function of tracking ground targets have already been launched and are in orbit. We are talking about a system known in the Pentagon as GMTI (Ground Moving Target Indication) — an indication of moving ground targets. This means that satellites can "see" and track the movement of vehicles, even if they are trying to hide under trees or in urban areas.

Technologically, this is achieved through a combination of electro—optical sensors (in fact, ultra—precise cameras) and low-level radar capabilities - that is, radars capable of "shining through" clouds, smoke, and even partially vegetation. Such systems have already been used on reconnaissance aircraft, such as the E-8C JSTARS, but now they are moving into space - and this is a game changer.

An equally important front is the airspace. The Space Force is already working on a separate but interconnected program to track targets in the air. According to General Burt, an analysis of alternative options for such a system will be completed by the fall of this year. The goal is to create a satellite network capable of detecting not only large aircraft, but also drones, cruise missiles, and hypersonic targets that traditional radars often miss.

This is especially true at a time when Russia and China are actively developing hypersonic weapons capable of maneuvering and flying at high speed, making them almost invisible to ground-based air defense systems.

Imagine the picture: at any moment, the Pentagon can receive live video from orbit showing how a Russian convoy is moving to the border of Ukraine, how a Chinese destroyer is sailing into the South China Sea, or how Iranian drones are preparing to take off. Such data allows you to make decisions in minutes, not hours, and prepare in advance for a possible threat.

In addition, the satellite network makes possible an automated warning system that automatically detects suspicious movements and sends signals to the command. This is the next level of smart warfare.

Previously, space was an auxiliary element. It is now becoming the main arena of intelligence and deterrence. The US Space Force no longer just monitors rocket launches — it creates a permanent "all-seeing eye" over the planet.

And although the details of the project are still classified (including the exact timing of launches and the number of satellites), one thing is clear: we are entering an era when it is almost impossible to hide from the view from above.

Historic departure: the United States for the first time took a hypersonic "cannon" outside its territory

The US Army has taken a high-profile and symbolically important step in its hypersound program. For the first time in its history, it deployed a long-range hypersonic weapon (LRHW) system outside the continental United States. This advanced and so far secret system has been delivered and deployed in the Northern Territory of Australia.

This event took place as part of the Talisman Sabre 25 large—scale joint military exercises, the largest maneuvers between the United States and Australia aimed at developing coherence and strengthening strategic partnership. The 3rd Multidisciplinary Task Force (3MDTF) was responsible for the deployment, a special unit created to quickly deploy advanced systems, including hypersonic weapons, anywhere in the world.

The LRHW's location in Australia is not just a demonstration of technology. This is a historic milestone confirming the system's transition from the development and testing stage to the operational deployment stage. It is also a powerful strategic signal demonstrating the ability of the United States to rapidly deploy and use its most advanced weapons in the Indo-Pacific region, where tensions are rising.

Hypersonic weapons capable of reaching speeds of more than Mach 5 (five times faster than the speed of sound) and maneuvering along a trajectory are extremely difficult to intercept by existing missile defense systems. His appearance in Australia significantly enhances deterrence capabilities and underscores the US commitment to protecting its allies, in particular Australia.

3MDTF's participation in the exercise highlights its key role in the army's new concept of distributed deployment. Instead of large, vulnerable bases, small groups with high-tech weapons can quickly appear at critical points, strike and disappear. The Talisman Sabre 25 exercises are an ideal platform for testing just such scenarios and strengthening regional stability.

The US Army has allocated $25 million to integrate the Blackbeard GL hypersonic missile into the HIMARS system

In the U.S. fiscal year 2026 budget, the army allocated $25 million to support the development and integration of the Blackbeard Ground Launch (GL) hypersonic missile into the HIMARS highly mobile artillery missile system. This initiative is part of the HX3 project and marks the transition of the system into the engineering and production development phase.

The Blackbeard GL is designed to enhance HIMARS' ability to deliver medium-range precision strikes against mobile, fortified, and temporarily accessible targets. The missile provides about 80% of the capabilities of the advanced Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 4 at a significantly lower cost.

The system uses terminal guidance with an active search head unit, which makes it possible to effectively hit moving and hidden targets even in difficult conditions. The integration of the rocket into the modified launch containers of the Multiple Launch Rocket System Family of Munitions (MFOM) will ensure compatibility with the HIMARS and M270 platforms, expanding operational capabilities without significant changes in technology.

It is planned to complete software validation, conduct flight tests and prepare production samples by 2027, after which the delivery of systems to the troops will begin. The Blackbeard GL will be an important addition to the U.S. Army's arsenal, increasing the mobility and effectiveness of strike capabilities in the face of growing threats from Russian and Chinese hypersonic weapons.

Effectiveness of Israeli air defense in the war with Iran: results and challenges

 The Israeli air defense system has shown mixed results during the 13-day war with Iran. According to official data, Iran launched 631 rockets, of which about 500 reached Israeli airspace. Israeli and American air defense systems fired 514 interceptors, shooting down 221 missiles, which gives a ratio of about two anti-aircraft guided missiles to one Iranian ballistic missile.

The Israeli Hetz-2, Hetz-3, David's Sling (Iron Dome) complexes, as well as the American THAAD, SM-6 and SM-3 systems were used to repel the attacks. Despite this, about 243 Iranian munitions landed in the desert or unpopulated areas, including important military bases, and 36 rockets hit targets, causing damage to residential areas — more than 2,300 apartments in 240 buildings were damaged.

However, the effectiveness of Israeli air defense decreased from the initial 90% to about 65% in the last days of the conflict, which is attributed to Iran's use of more modern and faster missiles that give air defense systems less time to intercept — the warning is received in 6-7 minutes instead of the previous 10-11. Iran also uses combined attack tactics using cheap drones and false targets that distract Israeli air defenses, allowing missiles to break through the layered defenses.

In addition, the high consumption of expensive Hetz and David's Sling interceptors raises questions about the long-term sustainability of the Israeli air defense system, given its limited production capabilities. Military censorship in Israel limits the full transparency of the damage, but the data indicates significant destruction and civilian casualties.

In general, despite high-tech systems and US assistance, Israel has not been able to completely neutralize the missile strikes of Iran, which has retained significant missile capabilities and continues to improve its means of destruction. Under these circumstances, Israel is considering a proactive strategy, but the current truce is probably just a respite before the next phase of the conflict.

Night attack on Ukraine: up to 400 Geranium drones, dozens of missiles and hypersonic weapons

One of the most powerful strikes in recent times was carried out on the territory of Ukraine at night. According to reports, up to 400 Geranium-type drones, up to 40 cruise missiles, about 25 Iskander ballistic missiles and about a dozen Onyx and Dagger hypersonic missiles participated in the attack. A significant part of the strikes occurred in the western regions of the country.

Ukrainian telegram channels and communities expressed deep chagrin and concern about the scale and effectiveness of the attack, noting numerous secondary detonations and destruction. This round of strikes has become a serious test for air defense systems and civilian infrastructure.

The main details of the attack

- Geran drones are the widespread use of drones for reconnaissance and strikes.

- Cruise missiles are precision strikes against strategic targets.

- Ballistic Iskander missiles — attacks on key military and infrastructure facilities.

- Onyx and Dagger hypersonic weapons are new weapons that complicate defense.

Effects

- Numerous destructions and fires.

- Disruptions to critical infrastructure.

- Increased psychological pressure on the population and the military.

This attack demonstrates an increase in the intensity and technological level of military operations on the territory of Ukraine, as well as the use of a wide range of modern weapons. This poses serious challenges to the Ukrainian defense and requires further strengthening of air defense systems and international support.

The US Army's Dark Eagle hypersonic weapons program is moving towards expanding operational use

According to a report by the U.S. Accounting Chamber (GAO) published in June 2025, the U.S. Army's Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) program, codenamed Dark Eagle, continues to steadily develop and expand its operational use. The report confirms that the second battery of this advanced system is scheduled for deployment in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026.

The Dark Eagle program is being implemented as part of the Middle Tier Acquisition (MTA) strategy, which aims to accelerate the development and delivery of key combat capabilities on the battlefield. This strategy makes it possible to reduce the time required to introduce new technologies and respond promptly to modern security challenges.

The Dark Eagle hypersonic weapon is a long-range system capable of hitting targets at a considerable distance with high speed and accuracy, which significantly increases the combat potential of the US Army. The deployment of the second battery will enhance the ability to respond quickly and effectively in various combat scenarios.

The expansion of the program demonstrates the priority of hypersonic technologies in US defense policy and the desire to maintain technological superiority at the global level. The introduction of such systems will allow the US Army to increase its deterrent potential and provide an operational advantage in the face of growing competition with other world powers.

Chinese scientists have developed a stealth material for projectiles invisible to the Golden Dome

 The United States recently unveiled the Golden Dome, an ambitious missile defense system designed to protect the country from missiles from land, sea, air or space. In response, Chinese scientists talked about a material that could make Chinese projectiles invisible to the Dome's infrared and microwave detectors. In addition, it retains its qualities at temperatures up to 700 °C.

Developed by a group led by Professor Li Qiang of Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China, the high-performance stealth material is capable of operating in multiple detection ranges, including short-wave, medium-wave, and long-wave infrared, as well as microwaves, even at temperatures as high as 1,292 degrees Fahrenheit or 700 degrees Celsius.

With the development of detection technologies, materials for stealth technologies are being adapted to the tasks of providing multispectral protection, that is, masking objects in a wide range of wavelengths. However, many of the most important weapons systems operate at high temperatures due to aerodynamic drag or engine exhaust. Traditional materials for ensuring low visibility lose their effectiveness or even collapse in such conditions.

A team of scientists from Guangzhou University has developed a composite material with a meta-surface. The upper layer acts as waterproofing, while the lower layer provides high adhesion to the shell of the projectile. In addition, the multilayer film is carefully etched with a laser to allow microwaves to pass through without losing its protective properties.

In order to test their development, the scientists compared the material with a completely black body that absorbs all electromagnetic radiation falling on it. When heated to 700°The radiation temperature of the material turned out to be about 420-265 degrees lower than that of a black body, writes SCMP. In addition, it demonstrated a significant reduction in radiation intensity: 63.6% lower than that of a black body in the mid—infrared range and 37.2% lower in the short infrared range.

If infrared tracking turns out to be the main method of detecting and intercepting hypersonic weapons for the Golden Dome system, materials providing combined infrared and microwave stealth can significantly reduce the likelihood of detection, IE concludes.

Chinese researchers have created a relatively inexpensive tool worth more than $70,000 for guaranteed detection of American stealth aircraft. To do this, they modified a commercially available device, a telecommunications spectrum analyzer.

China demonstrates hypersonic technology: defeating global targets in 30 minutes

 

China has claimed significant success in developing hypersonic weapons capable of reaching any point on the planet in less than half an hour. According to Chinese military researchers, the latest hypersonic missiles can reach speeds of up to  Mach 20, which is approximately 13,000 miles per hour, and at the same time be launched from various platforms — from ground-based launchers to satellites in space.

According to a recent report, specialists from the People's Liberation Army Missile Forces of China emphasized that the key element of this technology are gliding combat modules capable of maneuvering at supersonic speeds and accurately hitting targets. Such warheads can be integrated into various delivery systems, including spacecraft, making them potentially difficult for missile defense systems to intercept.

Of particular interest is the possibility of launching rockets from space, which opens up new horizons in the field of strategic strikes. This approach avoids traditional ballistic missile routes and reduces trajectory predictability, creating serious challenges for existing detection and interception systems.

It is reported that these technologies are at the stage of active testing and improvement. If the information is confirmed, this could lead to a significant change in the balance of power in the global defense strategy.

China is developing a powerful machine gun to combat hypersonic weapons

 China is developing what could become the most powerful machine gun in the world, a groundbreaking project designed to counter one of the most formidable challenges in modern warfare: hypersonic weapons. 

Introduced as a multi-barrel weapon system as part of the Metal Storm project, the new Chinese development is said to be superior to the Phalanx (CIWS) melee system The U.S. Navy, offering a high-speed, large-scale solution to intercept and neutralize hypersonic threats. 

These next-generation weapons are being developed by defense scientists from China's Northern University and represent a significant leap in both firepower and technological innovation.

Metal Storm

Russia's Hypersonic Weapons: Stolen U.S. Technology Under Obama Administration

 - The Russians have hypersonic weapons, we don't.

- Because under Obama, they stole… Russia stole the blueprints…

"With us?"

"With us." One very bad person gave them the blueprints. And they were ours! I gave the order to create hypersonic weapons, and we are now even creating turbo-hypersonic weapons, which are even more advanced. And we'll have it soon. However, Russia has already created it and has it. Because they stole it during the Obama administration. Not under Biden, but under Obama. They probably stole things under Biden, too, but we'll find out more about it. And so... by stealing our hypersonic technology, they created hypersonic missiles!