EU decision to shape Britain’s counter-hypersonic plans

Britain’s Ministry of Defence says a European Defence Fund decision expected from May 2027 will inform its next steps on developing a capability to intercept hypersonic threats. The UK is an official observer in the Hypersonic Defence Interceptor System concept program, giving it insight into the requirements and technology choices as they develop. The European decision will determine whether to advance that program or the competing European Hypersonic Defence Interceptor effort. Britain is also evaluating other routes and has discussed hypersonic threats with the United States and Australia through AUKUS.