Details
Category: Hypersonic Missiles
Hits: 45734

The 3M22 Zircon (also known as Zircon or Tsirkon) is a nuclear-capable hypersonic cruise missile developed by Russia. The Novator Design Bureau, part of the Russian state-owned Almaz-Antey Group, manufactures it, and NPA Mashinostroyeniya develops the propulsion system. The missile is designed for deployment from surface vessels, submarines, and aircraft. 

Country users: Russia

Description

The 3M22 Zircon, NATO code-named SS-N-33, is a hypersonic cruise missile designed to perform both anti-ship and land-attack missions. It is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads, providing it with a versatile role in modern warfare. Initially designed to target naval assets, the missile has evolved to include land-attack capabilities, making it an important tool for precision strike missions.

Developed in Russia, the missile is primarily produced by Novator Design Bureau, under the umbrella of Almaz-Antey Group. NPO Mashinostroyeniya developed the design and propulsion systems. The development of the Zircon missile began in the early 2010s, although official reports confirming its existence and capabilities were not made public until 2016. The missile’s first test launches took place in 2017, with several subsequent tests in 2018 and 2019. These tests demonstrated the missile’s ability to strike both land and sea targets with remarkable precision. By 2020, Russian authorities confirmed the missile was in its final stages of development and would soon be operational. The 3M22 Zircon entered service in 2022, with initial deployments on Project 22350 Admiral Gorshkov-class frigates. Plans are in place to extend its deployment to submarines and potentially land-based platforms in the coming years.

As a hypersonic missile, the Zircon offers extraordinary speed, precision, and destructive power. Its speed—reaching up to Mach 9—makes it extremely difficult to intercept, as existing missile defense systems are not capable of reacting quickly enough to intercept a missile traveling at such high velocities. The missile’s role includes targeting large naval vessels such as aircraft carriers, as well as military infrastructure on land. Its capabilities are seen as particularly effective in challenging modern anti-missile defense systems, which may struggle to counteract the missile's speed and maneuverability.

3M22 Zircon SS-N-33 variants:

- Naval Variant: Launched from surface ships and submarines, designed for anti-ship and strike missions, with a range of up to 1,000 km.
- Ground-Based Variant: A land-based version under development, intended for coastal defense and deep strike roles, similar in capabilities to the naval version.
- Submarine-Launched Variant: Deployed from submerged platforms like Yasen-class submarines, offering stealth and long-range strike capabilities, with an operational range of up to 1,000 km.
- Air-Launched Variant (Potential): Future possibility for launch from strategic bombers, providing flexibility and extended range for air-launched strikes.
- Anti-Ship Variant: Specifically optimized for targeting naval vessels with high speed and precision, deployed from surface ships and submarines.
- Nuclear Variant: A version equipped with a nuclear warhead for strategic deterrence and large-scale tactical strikes, similar to other variants but with a nuclear payload.

Technical Data

  • Design

    The 3M22 Zircon features a highly advanced aerodynamic design, incorporating a maneuvering, winged hypersonic missile with a lift-generating center body to ensure stability during high-speed flight. The missile is powered by a two-stage propulsion system. The first stage consists of a booster engine powered by solid fuel, which accelerates the missile to supersonic speeds. After reaching a certain speed, the scramjet engine in the second stage ignites, utilizing liquid fuel to accelerate the missile to hypersonic speeds.

    The Zircon has an estimated length of 9 meters (30 feet) and a diameter of 60 cm (24 inches), with an estimated weight of between 3,000 and 4,000 kg (3–4 tons). This size and weight allow for the missile to be launched from various platforms, including surface ships, submarines, and potentially future land-based systems. The missile’s sleek design, paired with its advanced propulsion system, allows it to travel at speeds of up to Mach 9 (6,900 mph; 11,000 km/h), while maintaining high levels of maneuverability at both low and high altitudes.

  • Warheads

    The 3M22 Zircon is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads. Conventional warheads are typically used in anti-ship and land attack roles, where the missile targets enemy vessels or military installations with high precision. These warheads are designed to cause maximum damage upon impact, especially to large naval vessels or coastal infrastructure.

    In addition to conventional payloads, the Zircon can also be equipped with a nuclear warhead. This gives the missile an additional strategic deterrence capability, allowing it to strike high-value targets with devastating effect. The nuclear variant of the Zircon can potentially be used in scenarios of large-scale warfare or as part of Russia’s nuclear deterrent strategy, ensuring that adversaries must consider its potential use in any conflict scenario.

  • Propulsion

    The 3M22 Zircon is powered by an advanced scramjet propulsion system, which allows it to travel at hypersonic speeds. Initially, the missile is boosted to supersonic speeds by a solid-fuel engine in the booster stage. Once it reaches the required velocity, the scramjet engine ignites, using liquid Detsilin-M fuel (a Russian fuel similar to JP-10 jet fuel) to accelerate the missile to its hypersonic speeds.

    The missile can reach a maximum speed of Mach 9 (6,900 mph; 11,000 km/h), allowing it to cover vast distances quickly. This extreme speed makes it a particularly dangerous weapon, as it significantly reduces the reaction time for any missile defense systems in its path. The operational range of the Zircon is reported to be around 400–450 km (250–280 miles) at low altitudes, while it can extend up to 1,000 km (620 miles) in a semi-ballistic trajectory. The range can reach up to 1,000–2,000 km in optimal conditions, depending on the target and mission specifics. The missile can travel at altitudes of up to 28 km (92,000 feet), allowing it to engage targets at long ranges while evading most traditional air defense systems.

  • Guidance Systems

    The 3M22 Zircon missile features a sophisticated guidance system that ensures high precision even at hypersonic speeds. The missile uses a combination of inertial navigation, radar homing, and plasma stealth to navigate towards its target. The initial phase of flight relies on inertial guidance, which uses onboard sensors to keep it on course. During the terminal phase, the missile switches to active radar homing, allowing it to lock onto specific targets, such as naval vessels or land-based infrastructure.

    One of the key features of the Zircon is its ability to generate a plasma cloud during hypersonic flight, which absorbs radio waves and makes the missile more difficult to detect by radar. This phenomenon, known as plasma stealth, makes it harder for enemy radar systems to track the missile during the cruise phase. However, this also affects the missile’s ability to engage radar or infrared seekers, which means it likely slows down to Mach 5-6 speeds in the terminal phase when closing in on a moving target. Despite this, the missile generates an enormous IR signature, which makes it easy for EO/IR sensors to detect during its final approach.

    The missile is also capable of information exchange during flight, allowing it to receive updates and adjustments in real time. This ensures that it can be controlled or redirected as needed to meet mission objectives.

  • Combat Use

    The 3M22 Zircon is primarily used for anti-ship and land-attack missions. Its high speed and maneuverability make it an ideal weapon for engaging large naval targets, such as aircraft carriers and battleships, which are difficult to counteract due to the missile’s kinetic energy and hypersonic velocity. In addition to its speed, the missile's kinetic energy alone is sufficient to cause severe damage to even the most heavily armored ships, making it a potent tool in naval warfare.

    When used in land-attack roles, the Zircon can strike critical military infrastructure, including command centers, airports, and other strategic targets. Its high precision and long range enable it to effectively engage targets at great distances, making it a valuable asset for both tactical and strategic missions.

    In terms of nuclear strike capability, the missile offers a significant strategic advantage, particularly in scenarios requiring rapid, high-precision nuclear strikes against key adversary targets. This ability further enhances the missile's role in Russia’s nuclear deterrence strategy, positioning it as a powerful asset in potential high-stakes conflicts.

    Given its speed, accuracy, and destructive power, the 3M22 Zircon missile is a game-changer in modern warfare. Its hypersonic speed allows it to penetrate traditional missile defense systems, while its versatile payload options and ability to engage multiple target types make it an essential component of Russia.

Specifications

  • Type

    Hypersonic cruise missile (anti-ship, land-attack, nuclear-capable).

  • Country users

    Russia

  • Designer Country

    Russia, developed by Novator Design Bureau and NPO Mashinostroyeniya.

  • Type of warheads

    - Conventional warhead (high-explosive, fragmentation).
    - Nuclear warhead (designed for strategic deterrence).

  • Range Missile

    - Effective range: 400–450 km (250–280 miles) at low altitudes.
    - Maximum range: Up to 1,000 km (620 miles) in a semi-ballistic trajectory; potential 1,000-2,000 km depending on launch conditions and target type.

  • Weight missile

    Approximately 3,000–4,000 kg (3–4 tons).

  • Speed Missile

    Capable of reaching Mach 8 to Mach 9 (6,100 mph to 6,900 mph, or 9,800 km/h to 11,000 km/h) at its maximum.

  • Altitude

    It can operate at altitudes of up to 28 km (92,000 feet).

  • Accuracy

    High precision, with reported CEP (Circular Error Probability) in the range of 1-3 meters, making it capable of hitting high-value, moving targets like aircraft carriers.

  • Dimensions

    Length: 9.0 m; Diameter: 0.6 m; Wingspant: ? m

Details View

  • 3 M 22 Zircon SS N 33 Nuclear Capable Hypersonic Cruise Missile Russia Right Side View 001

  • 3 M 22 Zircon SS N 33 Nuclear Capable Hypersonic Cruise Missile Russia Left Side View 001

Photo Gallery

  • 3 M 22 Zircon SS N 33 Nuclear Capable Hypersonic Cruise Missile Russia 001

  • 3 M 22 Zircon SS N 33 Nuclear Capable Hypersonic Cruise Missile Russia 002

  • 3 M 22 Zircon SS N 33 Nuclear Capable Hypersonic Cruise Missile Russia 003

  • 3 M 22 Zircon SS N 33 Nuclear Capable Hypersonic Cruise Missile Russia 004

  • 3 M 22 Zircon SS N 33 Nuclear Capable Hypersonic Cruise Missile Russia 005

  • 3 M 22 Zircon SS N 33 Nuclear Capable Hypersonic Cruise Missile Russia 006

More Products

Read more: 3M22 Zircon SS-N-33

Details
Category: Hypersonic Missiles
Hits: 35144

The Dark Eagle is the United States Army’s first operational hypersonic missile system, officially designated as the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW). This highly advanced missile system is designed to deliver precision strikes against high-value and time-sensitive targets at hypersonic speeds, exceeding Mach 5. Dark Eagle fills a critical strategic and tactical gap in U.S. long-range fires by providing a highly maneuverable, road-mobile, non-nuclear weapon system that can defeat modern integrated air defense systems and respond to adversaries’ advancements in hypersonic technology.

Country users: United States

Description

The Dark Eagle is a non-nuclear, ground-launched hypersonic missile weapon system developed under the U.S. Department of Defense's broader hypersonic initiative. Its origins trace back to earlier experimental hypersonic programs such as the Hypersonic Technology Vehicle-2 (HTV-2) and the Advanced Hypersonic Weapon (AHW), which laid the foundation for the development of a maneuverable glide body capable of sustained flight at hypersonic speeds. These programs informed the design of the Common Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB), a central element of the current system.

In 2018, the Pentagon formally prioritized hypersonic weapons as part of its strategic modernization agenda, spurred by the rapid progress of peer competitors like China and Russia—both of whom had begun fielding hypersonic systems such as the DF-17 and Avangard. That same year, the U.S. Army partnered with the U.S. Navy to co-develop the C-HGB, a maneuverable, unpowered glide vehicle launched from a solid-fueled booster. This joint approach was intended to accelerate development and enable cross-service platform compatibility.

In March 2020, the United States successfully conducted the first flight test of the C-HGB, demonstrating its viability and setting the stage for integration into an operational system. The Dark Eagle weapon system itself was officially named in 2021, signifying its transition from prototype to a fielded capability within the U.S. Army’s Long Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) program.

The LRHW system comprises three main components: a mobile launcher platform, a missile booster stack, and the C-HGB. Lockheed Martin serves as the prime contractor for the integrated system, overseeing the launcher, fire control, and overall missile integration. Sandia National Laboratories, working in partnership with the Navy, developed the glide body, while propulsion for the booster is provided by Aerojet Rocketdyne.

On August 2, 2024, the Dark Eagle was publicly demonstrated during Exercise Bamboo Eagle 24-3 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. During this event, U.S. Army Soldiers from Bravo Battery, 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, Long Range Fires Battalion, 1st Multi-Domain Task Force, showcased the capabilities of a Long Range Hypersonic Weapon Transporter Erector Launcher, illustrating the system’s growing integration within U.S. joint force operations.

Dark Eagle is designed to provide the U.S. Army with a mobile, survivable, and rapid-response long-range precision strike capability. Its mission is to penetrate and neutralize Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) environments, targeting high-value threats before they can endanger allied forces. As a key pillar of the Army’s Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) doctrine, it enables synchronized effects across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains—reinforcing the strategic shift toward rapid, integrated, and global force projection.

In August 2025, the United States has, for the first time, deploy its Dark Eagle hypersonic missile system to Australia, marking a significant enhancement of allied strike capabilities in the Indo-Pacific. Its deployment strengthens deterrence and power projection in a region increasingly marked by strategic competition.

Dark Eagle LRHW Hpersonic Missile variants:

As of now, there are no publicly known variants of the Dark Eagle hypersonic weapon system.

Technical Data

  • Launcher System

    The Dark Eagle hypersonic missile is launched from a road-mobile Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) based on a modified M870 trailer, towed by a HEMTT (Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck). Each TEL is equipped with two missile launch tubes, allowing for rapid successive launches. The launcher system is designed to be quickly deployed, repositioned, and concealed, maximizing operational flexibility and survivability on the battlefield.

    Supporting elements of a Dark Eagle battery include the Battery Operations Center (BOC), which handles command, control, communications, and targeting; dedicated communications systems for networked fire coordination; and reload and resupply vehicles. This modular battery structure ensures that the LRHW can operate autonomously or as part of a joint strike network.

    Mobility is a central feature of the launcher system. The ability to relocate launchers rapidly complicates adversary intelligence and targeting, allowing the system to be used offensively or in a standoff deterrent posture. These road-mobile platforms make the Dark Eagle deployable not only within the continental United States but also to forward-operating bases and allied territories, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and European theaters.

  • Missile

    The Dark Eagle hypersonic missile consists of a two-stage solid-fuel booster rocket and the Common Hypersonic Glide Body (CHGB). Upon launch, the booster accelerates the missile to hypersonic speed before releasing the glide body, which then reenters the atmosphere and maneuvers toward its target. The glide vehicle’s shape and composition enable it to maintain stability and speed while maneuvering over long distances.

    The C-HGB is a conical, unpowered glide body designed to glide at hypersonic velocity through the upper atmosphere. Its structure allows it to adjust its flight path midcourse, making it far less predictable than traditional ballistic missile trajectories. This makes it extremely difficult for current missile defense systems to detect, track, and intercept.

    The glide body is equipped with a conventional high-explosive warhead, optimized for kinetic strike effects and capable of neutralizing hardened or deeply buried targets. Although it does not carry nuclear warheads, its extreme velocity and accuracy give it a strategic impact that nears nuclear-level effectiveness against select military targets. The missile carries a single C-HGB per launch, focusing on precision, penetration, and speed rather than saturation.

  • Engine

    The propulsion for the Dark Eagle missile is provided by a two-stage solid-fuel booster rocket, responsible for accelerating the C-HGB to hypersonic speeds before separation. The booster is believed to share design principles with earlier strategic rocket motors, optimized for high thrust, short burn times, and resistance to thermal and structural stresses.

    Once the glide body separates, it has no onboard propulsion. Instead, it relies on its altitude, angle of reentry, and aerodynamic shape to maintain lift and control through the atmosphere. Speeds achieved are estimated to be between Mach 5 and Mach 17, depending on flight path and mission parameters. Terminal velocities are high enough to generate significant kinetic energy upon impact.

    This combination of rapid booster acceleration and unpowered glide provides a boost-glide trajectory, which offers both strategic range and evasive maneuverability. The system’s architecture ensures that the missile can reach its target in under 20 minutes at maximum range, outpacing any current intercept systems.

  • Guidance Systems

    The guidance system of the Dark Eagle hypersonic missile incorporates a precision inertial navigation system (INS), likely augmented by GPS-based corrections during the boost and glide phases. Although technical details remain classified, the system is designed for high accuracy, especially in the terminal phase where final course corrections are made.

    The Common Hypersonic Glide Body is expected to have onboard sensors capable of executing terrain-following or terminal guidance, potentially including imaging or infrared seekers. These systems allow the missile to hit targets with precision measured in meters, ensuring high effectiveness against both fixed and mobile targets.

    The weapon's guidance architecture is hardened against jamming, spoofing, and electromagnetic interference, allowing for reliable targeting in heavily contested electronic environments. Retargeting may be possible pre-launch via secure command networks but is unlikely once the glide body separates and enters final flight phase.

  • Combat Use

    The combat application of the Dark Eagle hypersonic missile system is centered around its ability to deliver devastating conventional strikes at intermediate strategic ranges, with unmatched speed, accuracy, and survivability. With an estimated operational range of between 1,725 to 2,775 kilometers, Dark Eagle provides the U.S. Army with a powerful new means to strike deep behind enemy lines while remaining entirely within the conventional rules of engagement.

    Tactically, Dark Eagle is designed to target high-value enemy assets that are heavily defended, mobile, or time-sensitive. These include enemy radar and air defense nodes, command and control bunkers, mobile ballistic missile platforms, logistics depots, runways, and even naval port facilities. The missile's maneuverability during flight allows it to evade early-warning systems and terminal interceptors, granting it a high probability of successful strike in contested environments.

    The destructive power of Dark Eagle is derived not from nuclear warheads, but from a combination of high-speed kinetic energy and precision explosive payload. At speeds exceeding Mach 10, the kinetic impact alone is capable of destroying hardened structures. When combined with a high-explosive warhead optimized for blast and fragmentation, the system becomes capable of neutralizing key targets critical to an adversary’s operational command, control, and force projection capabilities.

    Strategically, Dark Eagle fills a conventional deterrence gap by offering a credible response option to aggressive enemy actions that do not warrant nuclear retaliation but require decisive intervention. Its ability to strike quickly, far, and with precision allows decision-makers to act on fleeting intelligence, target mobile launchers, and degrade enemy forces before they can engage. This capability is especially relevant in scenarios such as a Chinese move against Taiwan or a Russian advance into Eastern Europe.

    Moreover, the weapon system’s mobility and rapid deployment profile enable its use in theater-level operations with minimal warning. Once deployed, launchers can frequently relocate, change positions, or adopt ambush firing positions, complicating enemy surveillance and counter-targeting efforts.

Specifications

  • Type

    Ground-launched hypersonic missile system with maneuverable glide body (non-nuclear, precision strike)

  • Country users

    United States

  • Designer Country

    - United States Prime Contractor: Lockheed Martin
    - Glide Body: Sandia National Laboratories (with U.S. Navy)
    - Booster Propulsion: Aerojet Rocketdyne

  • Launcher Vehicle

    M870 trailer, towed by a HEMTT (Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck). 

  • Guidance Systems

    Inertial Navigation System (INS) with potential integration of GPS and in-flight updates; exact guidance technologies are classified but designed for high precision during terminal glide phase

  • Accuracy

    Classified, but believed to have high precision consistent with strategic strike roles (estimated within meters CEP, though not officially confirmed)

  • Weight Missile

    Estimated total system weight between 15,000 and 16,000 kg (includes booster and glide body; precise figure classified)

  • Speed Missile

    Above Mach 5, likely reaching Mach 17–20 during glide phase depending on trajectory and altitude

  • Range Missile

    Over 2,775 kilometers (1,725 miles) – confirmed by U.S. Army and DoD statements; designed for strategic long-range strikes

  • Dimensions Missile

    Length: 11 to 14 m; Width: 0.9 to 1.1 m; Launcher Height: Estimated at 10+ meters when erected

Details View

  • Dark Eagle LRHW Long Range Hypersonic Weapon Missile United Sates Front View 001

  • Dark Eagle LRHW Long Range Hypersonic Weapon Missile United Sates Left Side View 001

  • Dark Eagle LRHW Long Range Hypersonic Weapon Missile United Sates Rear View 001

  • Dark Eagle LRHW Long Range Hypersonic Weapon Missile United Sates Right Side View 001

Photo Gallery

  • Dark Eagle LRHW Long Range Hypersonic Weapon Missile United Sates 001

  • Dark Eagle LRHW Long Range Hypersonic Weapon Missile United Sates 002

  • Dark Eagle LRHW Long Range Hypersonic Weapon Missile United Sates 003

  • Dark Eagle LRHW Long Range Hypersonic Weapon Missile United Sates 004

  • Dark Eagle LRHW Long Range Hypersonic Weapon Missile United Sates 005

  • Dark Eagle LRHW Long Range Hypersonic Weapon Missile United Sates 006

  • Dark Eagle LRHW Long Range Hypersonic Weapon Missile United Sates 007

  • Dark Eagle LRHW Long Range Hypersonic Weapon Missile United Sates 008

  • Dark Eagle LRHW Long Range Hypersonic Weapon Missile United Sates 009

More Products

Read more: Dark Eagle LRHW Hypersonic Missile

Details
Category: Hypersonic Missiles
Hits: 61197

The DF-17 or Dongfeng-17 is a Chinese-made mobile medium-range ballistic missile that is equipped with a DF-ZF hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) that can travel at speeds of at least Mach 5, or about 1.6 km per second. The DF-17 was developed by China’s 10th Research Institute and the existence of the new missile system was confirmed in 2014.

Read more: DF-17 Dongfeng-17

Details
Category: Hypersonic Missiles
Hits: 35288

The Fattah‑1 is a hypersonic medium-range ballistic missile developed and manufactured by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force (IRGC AF) of Iran. Unveiled during a formal ceremony in Tehran on June 6, 2023, it represents Iran’s first entry into the hypersonic weapons category, significantly enhancing its strategic missile capabilities.

Country users: Iran

Description

The Fattah‑1 is a highly advanced hypersonic ballistic missile, engineered to overcome modern air defense systems through a combination of velocity, agility, and trajectory unpredictability. Developed by the IRGC Aerospace Force, the missile utilizes a two-stage solid-propellant system and carries a maneuverable re-entry vehicle (MaRV) capable of independent flight and in-flight course correction.

Publicly announced in late 2022 and unveiled in June 2023, the Fattah‑1 marked a major milestone in Iranian missile technology. Unlike conventional ballistic missiles that follow a predictable arc, Fattah‑1 is designed to maneuver actively in both midcourse and terminal phases, maintaining speeds above Mach 5 throughout its flight—qualifying it as a true hypersonic missile. This capability dramatically increases its survivability against modern missile defense systems such as Israel’s Arrow and Iron Dome.

The missile separates its warhead at approximately 300 km altitude. The warhead, fitted with a thrust vector control system and solid rocket sustainer, continues on a non-ballistic, depressed trajectory. It can make multiple path corrections and perform evasive maneuvers up to 100 km before impact, allowing precision targeting and last-minute course adjustments.

What distinguishes Fattah from other fast ballistic missiles like the Khorramshahr is its sustained maneuvering at hypersonic speeds, particularly during the terminal phase. This maneuvering, combined with engine sustainment for about 50 seconds post-boost, ensures the MaRV maintains both speed and agility on final approach.

Tactically, Fattah‑1 is designed for use in high-value precision strikes against hardened or well-defended targets. Its mission profile includes the suppression of enemy missile defenses, decapitation strikes on command-and-control facilities, and disruption of airbases or logistical hubs.

Fattah-1 hypersonic missile variants:

- Fattah‑1: Baseline model featuring a maneuverable hypersonic MaRV with integrated TVC and post-boost sustainer.
- Fattah‑2: Advanced variant unveiled in November 2023, incorporating a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) to extend maneuverability and survivability across the entire flight path.

Technical Data

  • Launcher System

    The Fattah-1 hypersonic missile is launched from a road-mobile transporter-erector-launcher (TEL), mounted on a heavy-duty truck chassis. The TEL provides both strategic mobility and tactical flexibility, enabling rapid redeployment and launch from concealed or dispersed positions to complicate enemy counterstrikes.

  • Missile

    The Fattah‑1 hypersonic missile is composed of a two-stage, solid-fueled body. It measures approximately 11.5 meters in length and 80 cm in diameter. The missile includes a 3.6-meter-long warhead section with thrust vector control for midcourse and terminal maneuverability. This warhead weighs roughly 1,000 kg and contains up to 500 kg of high-explosive payload. Designed for survivability and penetration, the MaRV employs a depressed trajectory to reduce radar detection and interception opportunities.

  • Engine

    The Fattah-1 hypersonic missile uses solid composite fuel in both the booster and post-boost stages. The first stage launches the missile to high altitude (~300 km), after which the MaRV separates and ignites its sustainer motor, based on the Arash‑24 design. This engine burns for up to 50 seconds, allowing the warhead to maintain hypersonic speed throughout its glide and impact phases. The missile reaches Mach 13+ in midcourse and sustains speeds above Mach 5 at terminal impact. Its low observable profile and agile flight path make it extremely difficult to track and engage.

  • Guidance Systems

    The Fattah‑1 hypersonic missile is guided using a hybrid system that integrates inertial navigation (INS) with GNSS inputs (such as GPS or GLONASS). The warhead features onboard control surfaces and actuators linked to its thrust vector control system, enabling in-flight trajectory correction and precision terminal guidance. Estimated accuracy is within 10 to 25 meters CEP.

  • Combat Use

    From a tactical standpoint, the Fattah‑1 hypersonic missile is designed for high-precision, long-range strikes against critical military and infrastructure targets that are protected by layered missile defense systems. Its primary mission is to serve as a counter-A2/AD (Anti-Access/Area Denial) weapon by penetrating enemy airspace and targeting assets that are typically out of reach or heavily defended, such as airbases, command-and-control nodes, missile defense batteries, and hardened bunkers.

    The missile's maneuverable re-entry vehicle (MaRV), coupled with sustained hypersonic speeds exceeding Mach 5 in the terminal phase, enables deep-strike capabilities with minimal warning and limited interception risk. Fattah‑1 can be tactically employed for decapitation strikes, disruption of enemy early-warning systems, or preemptive neutralization of high-value military targets during escalation phases.

    Additionally, due to its high speed and terminal agility, Fattah‑1 is suitable for time-sensitive targeting, particularly in environments where traditional cruise or ballistic missiles may be ineffective due to interception vulnerability or insufficient response time. It also serves a deterrent and retaliatory role, increasing the cost of preemptive attacks against Iranian strategic interests by ensuring a survivable and effective second-strike option.

    The Fattah‑1 is tailored for missions that demand survivability against missile defenses, rapid target engagement across regional distances (~1,400 km), and precision lethality—all while minimizing exposure and enhancing strike reliability.

Specifications

  • Type

    Hypersonic Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (HRBM)

  • Country users

    Iran (IRGC Aerospace Force)

  • Designer Country

    Iran

  • Launcher Vehicle

    Road-mobile TEL (heavy truck-based)

  • Guidance Systems

    Inertial Navigation + GNSS (GPS/GLONASS)

  • Accuracy

    10–25 meters (CEP)

  • Weight Missile

    4,000–4,600 kg (total); ~1,000 kg warhead

  • Speed Missile

    > Mach 13 in midcourse; > Mach 5 on impact

  • Range Missile

    1,400 kilometers (extendable)

  • Dimensions

    Length: 11.5 m; Diameter: 0.8 m; Wingspan: ? m

Details View

  • Fattah 1 Hypersonic Ballistic Missile Iran Right Side View 001

  • Fattah 1 Hypersonic Ballistic Missile Iran Left Side View 001

Photo Gallery

  • Fattah 1 Hypersonic Ballistic Missile Iran 001

  • Fattah 1 Hypersonic Ballistic Missile Iran 002

  • Fattah 1 Hypersonic Ballistic Missile Iran 003

  • Fattah 1 Hypersonic Ballistic Missile Iran 004

  • Fattah 1 Hypersonic Ballistic Missile Iran 005

  • Fattah 1 Hypersonic Ballistic Missile Iran 006

  • Fattah 1 Hypersonic Ballistic Missile Iran 007

  • Fattah 1 Hypersonic Ballistic Missile Iran 008

More Products

Read more: Fattah-1 Hypersonic Missile

Details
Category: Hypersonic Missiles
Hits: 19253

The Hwasong-16B is a hypersonic-capable intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) developed and produced by North Korea. It represents the most advanced missile system in the Hwasong series, combining cutting-edge propulsion technology, advanced mobility, and hypersonic capabilities. Unveiled publicly during a flight test on April 2, 2024, the missile is designed for strategic deterrence and precision long-range nuclear or conventional strike missions. Its advanced hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) payload, capable of evading missile defenses, has made it a cornerstone of North Korea’s strategic arsenal.

Country users: North Korea

Description

The Hwasong-16B is a hypersonic-capable Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) developed and produced by North Korea. It is designed to deliver nuclear or conventional warheads over intercontinental ranges while remaining capable of evading advanced missile defense systems. Developed under the auspices of the Korean Workers' Party, its design and production likely began in the late 2010s, leveraging technologies from the Hwasong-15 and Hwasong-17 programs. The missile incorporates advanced solid and liquid propulsion systems and entered service following a successful public flight test in April 2024.

The missile’s primary missions include long-range nuclear deterrence and striking strategic infrastructure, including moving and relocatable targets. The Hwasong-16B has undergone several high-profile tests, including a Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV) test in April 2024, a maneuverable reentry vehicle (MaRV) test in January 2024, and a multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) test in June 2024. Each test demonstrated the missile's versatility and operational potential, particularly its ability to evade interception.

The system employs a two-stage booster for propulsion and a boost-glide vehicle that separates at the first peak of its trajectory. The glide vehicle’s high-speed maneuverability and shallow atmospheric flight path allow it to evade detection and interception, posing a significant challenge to modern missile defense systems. The missile’s latest deployment has demonstrated its capacity to engage distant and dynamic threats with precision.

On January 4, 2026, North Korean military units assigned to the Korean People’s Army main firepower strike group carried out a launch training exercise involving the Hwasong-16B hypersonic missile earlier this month, state media reported. 

Hwasong-16B Hypersonic IRBM variants:

- Hwasong-16B HGV Variant (Hypersonic Glide Vehicle): A hypersonic glide vehicle-equipped model capable of separating at the missile’s first peak trajectory. The HGV travels at speeds above Mach 5 along a shallow atmospheric flight path, with high maneuverability to evade missile defenses. Onboard sensors enable it to track and strike moving or relocatable targets. This variant has a range of 3,000 to 5,500 kilometers, making it a direct threat to U.S. military bases in Japan and Guam.
- Hwasong-16B MaRV Variant (Maneuverable Reentry Vehicle): This model features a maneuverable reentry vehicle optimized for evasive maneuvers during the terminal phase of flight. Its aerodynamic design allows it to change course and altitude, making interception difficult. The MaRV variant has a range exceeding 13,000 kilometers and is suited for intercontinental nuclear strikes against well-defended targets.
- Hwasong-16B MIRV Variant (Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles): A multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle-equipped version, capable of deploying several warheads to strike distinct targets simultaneously. This variant is designed to overwhelm missile defense systems and enhance strategic deterrence. It retains an intercontinental range of over 13,000 kilometers.

Technical Data

  • Launcher Vehicle

    The Hwasong-16B is launched from a 14-wheel transporter erector launcher (TEL) designated as the Hwasongpho-16B. The TEL features a ruggedized chassis for mobility across various terrains, enabling the missile to be deployed from concealed or dispersed locations. The launch canister includes a clamshell section at the front that protects the boost-glide vehicle during transport and storage.

    The TEL employs a cold-launch system, with a gas generator ejecting the missile from the canister before the first-stage ignition. This design reduces structural stress on the launcher and improves safety during deployment. The clamshell section opens just before launch, revealing the boost-glide vehicle, which is otherwise protected from environmental conditions.

  • Missile

    The Hwasong-16B is a two-stage hypersonic IRBM (Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile) capable of delivering a variety of advanced payloads, including Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs), Maneuverable Reentry Vehicles (MaRVs), and Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs). The missile features a two-stage booster section and a detachable glide vehicle.

    The missile has an estimated range exceeding 13,000 kilometers in standard configurations, allowing it to target the continental United States. Hypersonic variants have a slightly reduced range of 3,000 to 5,500 kilometers, but their enhanced evasive capabilities make them particularly effective against U.S. military bases in Japan and Guam. The boost-glide vehicle, released at the first peak of its trajectory, travels at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (approximately 6,000 km/h) along a relatively shallow atmospheric flight path. Its high speed, coupled with its ability to climb, descend, and erratically change course, complicates detection and tracking, as well as interception.

    The glide vehicle is equipped with sensors capable of tracking moving and relocatable targets, enabling precision engagement even against dynamic threats. The MaRV configuration, tested in January 2024, features an aerodynamic head section designed for independent terminal-phase maneuvering, increasing survivability. The MIRV configuration, tested in June 2024, deploys multiple warheads to strike distinct targets simultaneously, further enhancing the missile’s lethality.

  • Mobility

    The Hwasong-16B relies on the Hwasongpho-16B TEL (Transporter Erector Launcher), which is a robust, 14-wheel heavy-duty truck platform. This TEL is powered by a high-performance diesel engine, providing sufficient torque to carry the missile across rugged terrain and to pre-surveyed launch sites. Its off-road capabilities enable the system to operate from concealed and dispersed locations, complicating adversary tracking efforts.

    The TEL has an operational range of approximately 1,000 kilometers on a full fuel load, allowing for independent or battery-level redeployment. This mobility ensures the survivability of the missile system against preemptive strikes and increases its flexibility during operations.

  • Commaand and Control Systems

    The Hwasong-16B missile battery includes multiple components. A command and control vehicle coordinates launch operations and integrates secure communications to ensure reliable execution. A radar vehicle provides pre-launch environmental assessments and tracks airborne threats. Additional support vehicles, including fuel trucks, mobile cranes, and maintenance units, are essential for logistical and operational support.

    North Korea’s command and control systems are designed for redundancy, incorporating underground facilities and decentralized nodes to ensure continued functionality even under attack. This enhances the system's operational resilience and strategic reliability.

  • Combat use

    The Hwasong-16B is engineered for strategic deterrence and long-range strike missions, capable of delivering nuclear or conventional payloads to global targets. Its hypersonic capabilities and advanced payload options make it particularly effective at countering modern missile defense systems.

    With a range exceeding 13,000 kilometers in its standard configuration, the missile can engage intercontinental targets, including those in the continental United States. The hypersonic warhead, with a range of 3,000 to 5,500 kilometers, places U.S. military bases in Japan and Guam within striking distance. The boost-glide vehicle’s ability to maneuver unpredictably at hypersonic speeds further complicates interception, ensuring the missile’s effectiveness even against advanced missile defenses.

    The integration of hypersonic glide vehicles, maneuverable reentry vehicles, and multiple warheads provides the Hwasong-16B with unmatched versatility and lethality. These features enable it to engage static and mobile targets with precision, delivering devastating results. As a key component of North Korea’s strategic missile forces, the Hwasong-16B significantly enhances the nation’s ability to project power, deter adversaries, and assert its presence on the global stage.

Specifications

  • Type

    Hypersonic-capable Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM)

  • Country users

    North Korea

  • Designer Country

    North Korea

  • Warhead Missile

    - Nuclear: Capable of carrying a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV), maneuverable reentry vehicle (MaRV), or multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs).
    - Conventional: Potential capability for high-precision conventional strikes.

  • Accuracy

    Estimated Circular Error Probable (CEP) of hundreds of meters, with MaRV and HGV configurations offering increased precision for relocatable or moving targets.

  • Range Missile

    - Standard Configuration: Over 13,000 km (Intercontinental range).
    - Hypersonic Variant (HGV): 3,000 to 5,500 km (Regional range).

  • Missile Launch Weight

    Estimated at 80,000 to 100,000 kg, including the payload and fuel.

  • Speed Missile

    Mach 5 (hypersonic) for HGV (Hypersonic Glide Vehicle) configuration, with peak speeds potentially reaching Mach 20 during the midcourse phase.

  • Altitude Missile

    - Maximum altitude: Over 1,000 kilometers during ballistic flight tests.
    - Operational HGV trajectory: Shallow flight path within the atmosphere.

  • Dimensions Missile

    Approximately Length: 26-27 m; Diameter: 2.9 m; Fin Span: Not publicly disclosed but estimated at 4-5 meters for aerodynamic stabilization.

Details View

  • Hwasong 16 B Hypersonic IRBM Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile North Korea Front View 001

  • Hwasong 16 B Hypersonic IRBM Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile North Korea Left Side View 001

  • Hwasong 16 B Hypersonic IRBM Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile North Korea Rear View 001

  • Hwasong 16 B Hypersonic IRBM Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile North Korea Right Side View 001

Photo Gallery

  • Hwasong 16 B Hypersonic IRBM Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile North Korea 001

  • Hwasong 16 B Hypersonic IRBM Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile North Korea 002

  • Hwasong 16 B Hypersonic IRBM Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile North Korea 003

  • Hwasong 16 B Hypersonic IRBM Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile North Korea 004

  • Hwasong 16 B Hypersonic IRBM Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile North Korea 005

  • Hwasong 16 B Hypersonic IRBM Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile North Korea 006

  • Hwasong 16 B Hypersonic IRBM Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile North Korea 007

  • Hwasong 16 B Hypersonic IRBM Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile North Korea 008

  • Hwasong 16 B Hypersonic IRBM Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile North Korea 009

More Products

Read more: Hwasong-16B

Details
Category: Hypersonic Missiles
Hits: 79135

The Kh-47 Kinzhal (Russian: Х-47 Кинжал), also known as the Dagger or Kh-47M2, is a Russian-made air-launched nuclear-capable hypersonic missile. It is a highly maneuverable and high-speed weapon designed to engage a wide range of targets, including naval and ground-based targets. The missile system is an important part of Russia's military arsenal and is seen as a response to the development of advanced missile defense systems by other countries. 

Read more: Kh-47 Kh-47M2 Kinzhal Dagger - AS-24 Killjoy

Details
Category: Hypersonic Missiles
Hits: 47473

The Palestine-2 is a hypersonic ballistic missile developed by the Ansar Allah (Houthi) movement in Yemen. It is a strategic weapon designed for long-range, high-speed strikes, capable of bypassing sophisticated missile defense systems. The missile has garnered international attention, particularly following its successful use in January 2025 when it struck a power plant in Haifa, Israel.

Country users: Houthi - Yemen

Description

The Palestine-2 is a two-stage solid-fuel hypersonic ballistic missile developed by Yemen's Ansar Allah (Houthi) movement with significant technological assistance from Iran. According to the design, it seems to be based on the Iranian-made Fateh-110 missile, a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM), with substantial modifications to enhance its range, speed, and maneuverability. The Palestine-2 has been developed as a more advanced variant of the Fateh-110. It incorporates improvements in its guidance systems, propulsion, and maneuverability, turning it into a hypersonic missile capable of achieving Mach 16 speeds.

The missile was developed as part of Yemen's larger missile program, which aims to increase its ability to strike key enemy targets deep within Israeli and Saudi territory. Yemen's Iranian-backed missile program has provided substantial expertise in missile technology, particularly in terms of solid-fuel propulsion systems and advanced guidance. The Palestine-2's development began in the early 2020s, with Iranian involvement ensuring that the missile could eventually achieve the hypersonic capabilities needed to bypass the most sophisticated defense systems in the region.

The Palestine-2 missile entered active service in late 2024, following a series of successful test launches, and it was first used operationally in December 2024. Its most recent deployment was in January 2025, when it struck a power plant in Haifa, Israel, marking a significant milestone in Yemen’s missile program. The missile’s performance in this strike was hailed as a major success, demonstrating its ability to reach critical targets in Israel and evade advanced defense systems.

Palestine-2 hypersonic missile variants:

No variants at this time.

Technical Data

  • Launcher Unit

    Launcher Unit

    The Palestine-2 missile is launched from a mobile ground-based platform, providing significant mobility and operational flexibility. The launch platform is mounted on a heavy-duty truck designed to carry and launch the missile from concealed locations. This mobile system enhances survivability in a contested environment, allowing for rapid repositioning and reducing the risk of the launcher being targeted by counter-strikes. The launcher's design supports the quick deployment and firing of the missile, ensuring that it can be used in various terrain and under operational stress.

    The launch platform is rugged and capable of operating in difficult environments, from desert regions to mountainous terrains. The truck-mounted system allows for low-profile operation, helping to avoid detection by enemy reconnaissance systems. This mobility feature is a critical element ensuring the missile's effectiveness and survivability in battle.

  • Missile

    The Palestine-2 is a two-stage solid-fuel missile designed for high-speed, long-range strikes, which seems to be based on the Iranian-made Fateh-110. It can achieve Mach 16 speeds, which classifies it as a hypersonic missile. This high speed enables it to bypass traditional missile defense systems, making it a formidable weapon against advanced air defense systems, including those used by Israel. The missile has an estimated range of 2,150 km, which allows it to strike strategic targets deep within Israeli and Saudi territories, such as military installations, power plants, and communication hubs.

    The Palestine-2 carries a 500 kg warhead designed to deliver substantial damage to its target. The warhead can penetrate hardened structures, ensuring that the missile can effectively neutralize critical infrastructure. In addition to its destructive power, the missile features advanced maneuverability that allows it to adjust its flight trajectory during the terminal phase, making it difficult for interceptors to predict and counter the missile's path. This maneuverability, combined with its high speed, enhances its capability to avoid interception by sophisticated missile defense systems like the Iron Dome or David's Sling.

    The missile uses a combination of inertial guidance and satellite navigation to ensure high precision over long distances, making it capable of achieving accurate strikes on targets even when launched from a distance of over 2,000 km. The Palestine-2 thus represents a significant leap forward in Yemen’s missile technology, combining long-range strike capabilities with hypersonic speeds and advanced maneuvering to challenge even the most sophisticated air defense systems.
    Palestine 2 hypersonic ballistic missile Houthi Yemen details 925 001
    The Palestine-2 is based on the Iranian-made Fateh-110.

  • Mobility

    The Palestine-2 missile's mobile launchers are mounted on heavy-duty trucks, providing the missile system with enhanced mobility and survivability. The truck-based launch platform allows the missile to be deployed quickly and fired from a variety of locations, reducing the risk of being tracked and targeted by enemy forces. These mobile units are capable of traversing difficult terrain, ensuring that the missile can be launched from almost any environment, whether it is a desert, mountainous region, or urban setting.

    The mobile nature of the launcher also ensures that it can be quickly repositioned after firing, which is essential for evading counter-attacks. This high mobility is one of the missile’s key features, as it ensures that the platform remains elusive even after multiple launches.

  • Command and Control Vehicles

    The Palestine-2 missile system operates within a command and control network similar to systems used with the Iranian Fateh-110 missile. The command and control architecture is designed to manage multiple launchers and missile batteries efficiently. The network includes several key components that coordinate missile operations, manage targeting data, and guide the missile during its flight.

    The command vehicle is central to the missile system's operations. It processes targeting data, issues operational orders, and manages the timing of missile launches. The vehicle is equipped with secure, encrypted communication systems that allow it to relay real-time updates to higher command structures, ensuring that missile launches are coordinated effectively. This vehicle also manages the launch sequences and monitors the status of missile systems.

    The radar vehicle is crucial for target acquisition, tracking, and missile guidance. Similar to the Fateh-110 system, the radar vehicle assists in determining the missile’s trajectory and provides real-time updates to the command vehicle. It helps guide the missile in mid-flight and plays a pivotal role in its terminal guidance, ensuring the missile remains on course as it approaches its target.

    The missile system operates within a battery framework that involves multiple launchers, radar vehicles, and command vehicles. This structure allows for synchronized launches, enabling the rapid deployment of multiple missiles for a coordinated strike. Each component of the battery works in concert to ensure the missile system’s success on the battlefield, offering flexibility and redundancy in case of system failures.

    These integrated command and control systems ensure that the missile is launched and guided accurately, even in contested environments, and provide the flexibility for Yemen’s military to launch complex strikes over long distances.

  • Combat Use

    The Palestine-2 missile is primarily used for precision strikes against high-value targets such as military bases, power plants, and communication hubs. Its range of 2,150 km allows it to strike deep into Israeli territory, making it a strategic weapon for long-range operations. Its ability to fly at Mach 16 ensures that it can penetrate most missile defense systems, including the Israeli Iron Dome and David's Sling systems, which are designed to intercept slower-moving projectiles.

    The missile’s most recent operational use came on January 5, 2025, when it successfully struck a power plant in Haifa, Israel. This attack demonstrated the missile’s ability to deliver substantial damage to critical infrastructure, effectively disrupting the enemy's economic and military capabilities. The 500 kg warhead is capable of causing significant destruction, making the missile a highly effective weapon for crippling an adversary’s ability to maintain operations.

    The maneuverability and speed of the Palestine-2 make it highly effective against advanced defense systems. In addition to its ability to carry out devastating strikes, its capability to alter its flight path in the terminal phase ensures that it remains a significant threat to regional powers. Yemen’s use of this missile in an active conflict shows how it can alter the dynamics of the region, challenging traditional missile defense strategies and contributing to the ongoing asymmetric warfare efforts.

Specifications

  • Type

    Two-stage solid-fuel hypersonic ballistic missile

  • Country users

    Yemen (Ansar Allah / Houthi Movement)

  • Designer Country

    Yemen (Based on Iranian Fateh-110 with modifications)

  • Warhead Missile

    High-explosive fragmentation, 500 kg payload

  • Accuracy

    Estimated CEP (Circular Error Probable) of 5–10 meters

  • Range Missile

    Approximately 2,150 km

  • Missile Launch Weight

    Estimated at 4,500 kg

  • Speed Missile

    Mach 16 (~19,000 km/h)

  • Altitude Missile

    High-altitude flight path with terminal descent near the target

  • Dimensions Missile

    Length: 10.0 m; Diameter: 0.75 m; Fin Span: 2.0 m

Details View

  • Palestine 2 Hypersonic Ballistic Missile Houthi Yemeen Vue 2 001

  • Palestine 2 Hypersonic Ballistic Missile Houthi Yemeen Vue 1 001

Photo Gallery

  • Palestine 2 Hypersonic Ballistic Missile Houthi Yemen 001

  • Palestine 2 Hypersonic Ballistic Missile Houthi Yemen 002

  • Palestine 2 Hypersonic Ballistic Missile Houthi Yemen 003

  • Palestine 2 Hypersonic Ballistic Missile Houthi Yemen 004

  • Palestine 2 Hypersonic Ballistic Missile Houthi Yemen 005

More Products

Read more: Palestine-2 hypersonic missile