Which Countries Have Hypersonic Missiles in 2025? Full List and Capabilities Explained

Posted by Technology and Defense Team

Countries with Hypersonic Missiles 

Hypersonic missiles have transformed from lab experiments to operational military assets. Traveling at speeds over Mach 5 and capable of maneuvering during flight, these weapons are extremely hard to intercept. Several nations are developing hypersonic systems, but only a couple have actually fielded them for military use as of 2025.

What Are Hypersonic Missiles?

Hypersonic weapons generally fall into two types. First is the hypersonic glide vehicle, which is boosted by a rocket and then glides through the atmosphere at very high speed. Second is the hypersonic cruise missile, powered by advanced engines like scramjets to sustain hypersonic speeds close to the surface. These systems are designed to break through traditional missile defense networks. For a detailed technical explanation, see NASA's hypersonic technology overview.

Russia

Russia leads the world in operational hypersonic systems. Its Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle can reportedly reach speeds of Mach 20 and carry nuclear warheads. The Kinzhal air-launched hypersonic missile has been used in combat, and the Zircon hypersonic cruise missile is already deployed with the Russian Navy.The Oreshnik is Russia’s newest hypersonic missile, capable of speeds over Mach 10 and carrying multiple warheads. First used in combat in 2024, it’s now entering mass production, adding to Russia’s growing hypersonic arsenal. These programs are officially acknowledged by Russia's Ministry of Defense and covered by Defense.gov.

China

China has confirmed the operational deployment of its DF-17, a medium-range ballistic missile carrying a hypersonic glide vehicle. According to the Center for a New American Security, the DF-17 is integrated into China’s active missile brigades and supports its regional deterrence posture.

United States

The United States is actively working on hypersonic weapons including the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) and the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW). These are in advanced testing but have not yet been fielded for active military service as of mid-2025. For current progress and schedules, see the Congressional Research Service briefing.

Other Countries

India is developing the Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV), with plans for future deployment. France is advancing the V-MaX hypersonic glide vehicle project, while North Korea has claimed test successes that remain unverified by independent sources. Other countries such as Australia and Japan are in earlier research phases and do not have operational hypersonic missiles yet.

Why Hypersonic Missiles Matter

These weapons shrink response times for defenders and can avoid traditional missile interception systems, increasing the risk of escalation during conflicts. Because they travel so fast and maneuver mid-flight, they challenge current arms control frameworks. Many experts argue new treaties or military-to-military dialogue will be needed to prevent dangerous misunderstandings. For an in-depth arms control perspective, read this Carnegie Endowment article.

What Lies Ahead?

Hypersonic missiles will almost certainly become a key element of military arsenals around the world in the next decade. As the technology spreads, international cooperation and confidence-building measures could help limit the risks of rapid escalation.

Final Note

As of 2025, only Russia and China have confirmed operational, in-service hypersonic missile systems. Other countries, including the United States, India, and France, are still in the development or testing stages and have not yet deployed such systems for active military use.