Hypersonica Raises €100 Million Series B for European Missiles

Building hypersonic capability in Europe

Founded in 2023 by Philipp Kerth and Marc Ewenz, Hypersonica develops hypersonic missile systems with the stated aim of strengthening Europe's technological independence in defense. Hypersonic technology covers vehicles that can reach at least five times the speed of sound. Their speed and ability to maneuver in flight set them apart from conventional missile systems.

The company is focused on deep-strike capability against strategic targets at long range. Its work is not limited to a single missile: Hypersonica says it wants to build the full technology base, from design and engineering to production, on European soil. The goal is to reduce European countries' reliance on suppliers from outside the continent.

The ITAR-free approach

A central part of that strategy is what the company calls an ITAR-free approach. ITAR is the set of US rules governing exports of defense products and technologies. By developing technologies that are not subject to those rules, Hypersonica offers European countries an alternative they can use according to their own needs.

The round signals continued investor appetite for defense technology in Europe, with two major venture firms backing a company founded only three years ago. The company has not detailed delivery timelines or customers in the information provided, so the practical pace of development will be the next thing to watch as the hiring in the UK and Germany gets under way.