As nations around the globe race to dominate advanced military technologies, hypersonic technology stands at the forefront of this strategic competition. Recent developments highlight significant advancements and increased investments from both the United States and China, marking a pivotal shift in aerospace and defense capabilities.
U.S. Hypersonic Programs and Strategic Contracts
The U.S. has made substantial strides in hypersonic technology, with recent contracts underscoring its commitment to maintaining a technological edge. One of the notable developments includes a partnership between Ursa Major and Stratolaunch. On September 13, 2025, Ursa Major secured a $32.9 million contract to develop propulsion systems for Stratolaunch’s Talon-A hypersonic vehicle. This collaboration aims to enhance both offensive and defensive hypersonic capabilities, although challenges remain in propulsion integration and regulatory navigation.
Lockheed Martin has also played a crucial role in advancing U.S. hypersonic systems. On September 8, 2025, the defense giant received a $133 million contract modification from the U.S. Navy to support the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) program. This program is focused on developing a hypersonic boost-glide missile that promises rapid, long-range precision strikes. The investment in CPS, alongside previous awards totaling hundreds of millions, reflects the U.S. government’s sustained commitment to hypersonic missile development.
Moreover, the fiscal year 2026 budget request includes a staggering $6.5 billion allocated for conventional and hypersonic munitions, with $3.9 billion specifically earmarked for hypersonic weapons. The U.S. Army is poised to field its first operational Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) battery by the end of fiscal year 2025, marking a significant milestone in the integration of hypersonic weapons into active service.
Chinese Hypersonic Advancements and Military Showcases
While the U.S. bolsters its hypersonic arsenal, China is not lagging behind. In early September 2025, China showcased its advancements in hypersonic technology during its “Victory Day” military parade. This display featured advanced hypersonic missile variants and AI-powered drones, signaling a robust commitment to enhancing its military capabilities. Analysts interpret this showcase as a strategic message aimed at reinforcing China’s anti-access/area denial capabilities, particularly regarding U.S. interests in the Pacific, such as Guam.
The Feitian 2, a Chinese hypersonic vehicle, has demonstrated critical capabilities, including autonomous flight with variable angles of attack. These advancements indicate significant progress in maneuverability and control at hypersonic speeds, further intensifying the competitive landscape.
Market Dynamics and Industry Implications
The hypersonic propulsion sector is rapidly evolving, with increasing competition among various companies. Firms like North Vector Dynamics are also securing defense contracts, intensifying innovation and government funding races. This competitive atmosphere is likely to attract substantial investor interest, accelerating the development of hypersonic testing infrastructure in the U.S. and beyond, which is critical for maintaining a competitive edge globally.
In addition to military applications, the hypersonic technology market is fostering advancements in related technologies, such as high-performance thermal battery systems designed for long-range missile systems and advanced sensor modules incorporating quartz MEMS gyroscopes for enhanced navigation precision. These innovations are crucial not only for missile guidance but also for broader aerospace applications.
Conclusion
The advancements in hypersonic technology by both the U.S. and China suggest a pivotal shift in military strategy and capabilities. As both nations ramp up their hypersonic development efforts, the implications for global security dynamics are profound. With substantial financial commitments and technological innovations on the horizon, the race for hypersonic supremacy is set to reshape the landscape of modern warfare. As we approach 2026, the world will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold and what they mean for international relations and defense strategies moving forward.
References
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Ursa Major Secures $32.9 Million Contract to Power Stratolaunch’s … (www.eplaneai.com) - 9/13/2025 Ursa Major Secures $32.9 Million Contract to Power Stratolaunch’s Talon-A Hypersonic Vehicle. September 13, 2025By ePlane AI. Ursa Major Secures …
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Hypersonic missiles and weapons - South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com) - 9/12/2025 The Front Line | Chinese state media hints at variants of hypersonic missile in parade. 2 Sep 2025 - 9:15AM videocam … The PLA is deploying the new technology …
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United States Hypersonic Weapons Market Size, Share, Growth (www.openpr.com) - 9/9/2025 ✓ In September 2025, Lockheed Martin was awarded a $133 million … Hypersonic Technology Hypersonic Market is Likely to Increase at a …
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Lockheed Gets Navy Hypersonic Missile Contract Modification (www.govconwire.com) - 9/8/2025 Lockheed Awarded $133M Navy Contract Modification for Hypersonic Missile Development. Jane Edwards. September 8, 2025. Contract Awards …
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China’s military technology parade underscores need for more U.S. … (defensescoop.com) - 9/5/2025 Fighter jets, hypersonic missiles and AI-powered drones were among the capabilities showcased at China’s recent “Victory Day” parade.
