Ukraine Begins Production of German-Backed Hypersonic Missiles Targeting Russian Bunkers

Ukraine has achieved a significant milestone with the development and serial production of its domestically produced Hrim-2 hypersonic missile, enabled by a five-billion-euro German defense package. The missile has been successfully field-tested in combat, demonstrating its capability to strike deep behind Russian lines, including destroying a Russian command post. In parallel, German defense contractor Diehl Defence and POLARIS Spaceplanes have partnered to develop the Airborne Launching and Attack System (AirLAS), which integrates the IRIS-T air-to-air missile onto POLARIS's unmanned spaceplane demonstrators, aiming to extend operational range and air defense flexibility. This system is expected to enhance multi-domain operations with increased mission endurance and responsiveness, with initial flight tests planned later in 2025. Additionally, Dassault Aviation, supported by the French Ministry of the Armed Forces, is advancing the VORTEX spaceplane demonstrator to validate hypersonic flight and thermal protection technologies for future military and civilian orbital platforms. Finally, Airbus is exploring the adaptation of its A400M military transport aircraft to serve as a drone launch platform, capable of deploying numerous small or heavy drones to support combat aircraft in military operations.