A hypersonic missile is a type of weapon that travels at speeds greater than five times the speed of sound, or Mach 5. These missiles can maneuver during flight, making them difficult to detect and intercept. They are designed to strike targets quickly and with precision, posing a challenge to existing defense systems. Hypersonic missiles can be launched from various platforms, including aircraft, ships, and ground-based systems. Countries like Russia, China, and the United States are actively developing these advanced weapons, which have the potential to change modern warfare dynamics and global security strategies.