The UK is set to take on Vladimir Putin’s Russia and build homemade hypersonic missiles by the end of the decade.
It comes as reports suggest military chefs are under pressure to catch up with the likes of China, Russia and America by developing a weapon capable of flying five times faster than the speed of sound, according to The Telegraph.
Britain’s plan to equip its armed forces is at an early stage and as of yet it is unclear whether the missile will be launched from land, sea or air. However, it is hoped the homemade design will enter service by 2030.
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The Ministry of Defence would not comment on the development of the missile, citing national security, but did confirm that "hypersonic technologies to further develop UK sovereign advanced capabilities" were being pursued, before adding: "We continue to invest in our equipment to meet current and future threats."
Hypersonic weapons tend to be difficult to destroy, as unlike ballistic weapons, they can change paths after being launched.
Russia, China and America are the big three in the hypersonic weapons race but others, such as North Korea, claim to have tested similar weapons also.
The development of hypersonic capabilities is part of Pillar Two of AUKUS - a defence and security pact between the UK, Australia and the US.
The UK’s Defence Ministry is adamant that this new weapon must be constructed entirely in Britain. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the hypersonic missiles project will be one of the destinations for the planned £75billion boost in defence spending over the next six years.
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