This article delves into the dynamic landscape of military technology, highlighting seven cutting-edge missiles that nations worldwide are actively developing. These are the Top 7 Hypersonic and Cruise Missiles In Development
1. CAKIR (Turkey)
Cakir is a new-generation cruise missile that can be launched from land, sea, and air platforms with a range of more than 150 kilometers. It is designed by Turkish rocket and missile manufacturer RoketSan. The missile’s intended targets include surface targets, land and surface targets close to the shore, strategic land targets, field targets, and caves. The first firing from the UAV Bayraktar Akinci is planned for the end of 2022, with platform integration in 2023. Checkered can carry warheads weighing up to 70 kilograms and can reach a maximum speed of Mach 0.85.
2. GEZGIN (Turkey)
Turkey is developing a new sea-launched indigenous cruise missile named Gezgin, which is similar to American Tomahawk and Russian caliber missiles. While exact specifications have not been announced, it is expected that the Gezgin cruise missile will have an operational range of approximately 1,400 kilometers.
Integrating Gezgin missiles onto forthcoming Reis-class submarines or the indigenous milden (MILDEN-Milli Denizalti) class submarine, which is currently in the design phase, would significantly enhance the capability of silent underwater platforms with a long-range, high-precision strike asset.
3. R’AAD II (Pakistan)
The R’aad II missile is a Pakistani long-range air-launched cruise missile that was first publicly unveiled on March 23, 2017. Its range has increased from an initial 300 kilometers to its most recent test range of 600 kilometers, with enhancements to its guidance and flight control systems. The missile features a conventional tail fin configuration and measures 4.85 meters in length, with further details remaining classified.
4. Brahmos 2 (India-Russia)
Brahmos 2 is a Hypersonic cruise missile currently under joint development by India and Russia. It is the second in the Brahmos series of cruise missiles and is expected to have a range of 1,500 kilometers and a speed of Mach 8.
A scramjet air-breathing jet engine will propel the missile during its cruise stage. Production cost and physical dimensions of the missile have not yet been published, and testing, originally planned for 2020, has been delayed. Brahmos 2 is anticipated to be the fastest cruise missile in the world, with double the top speed of the current Brahmos 1.
5. Brahmos NG (India-Russia)
While Brahmos continues to maintain its position as the world’s best and fastest cruise missile system, advancements in military technology have led to the development of the Brahmos NG (Next Generation). This smaller and lighter weapon system promises increased versatility, lethality, and flexibility. It is expected to be one of the most potent weapon systems in the future.
6. Fattah (Iran)
Fattah Iran has recently unveiled Fatah, a Hypersonic ballistic missile capable of penetrating defense systems, raising concerns in the West and Israel. Fattah is a two-stage precision-guided solid-fueled missile with a top speed of up to Mach 15.
Its Warhead is powered by a spherical engine using solid fuel and features a movable nozzle, allowing it to accelerate and change direction. According to Iran, Fatah can navigate in and out of the atmosphere, avoiding anti-missile defense systems like the Iron Dome. It can also target anti-ballistic missile defense systems, leaving the adversary defenseless against Iran’s additional rockets.
7. FC/ASW (UK-France)
The Future Cruise and Anti-Ship Weapon seeks to develop a new generation of deep-strike and anti-ship missiles by 2030. It aims to replace the capabilities provided by the Storm Shadow, SCALP air-launched cruise missile in the UK and France, the Exocet anti-ship missile in France, and the Harpoon anti-ship missile in the UK.
A Ramjet motor powers the Future Cruise and Anti-Ship Weapon, measures 5 meters in length, weighs around 800 kilograms, and carries a payload comprising a 1,200-kilogram main Warhead and 250 kilograms of subsidiary Warheads. These Warheads can either contribute directly to the overall impact or be ejected from lateral bases before the missile reaches its target, effectively acting as submunitions.
That concludes the list of seven Hypersonic and cruise missiles that are currently under development.
