A comprehensive analysis of technology and research in the field of hypersonic weapons: technical challenges, interdisciplinary trends, and strategic implications for modern defense

Given the dramatic developments in military technologies and the increasing competition between great powers, hypersonic weapons have gained a special place in modern defense strategies due to their unique capabilities at high speeds (more than Mach 5) and maneuverability in the atmosphere. This study aims to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of the technological and research landscape in the field of defensive hypersonic weapons. The research methodology included collecting information from reliable web sources (Congress and GAO reports, news analyses) and a systematic search in the Scopus scientific database (2021-2024). The collected data were subjected to word co-occurrence analysis and visualization using VOSviewer software to identify the knowledge structure, key thematic clusters (including hypersonic aerodynamics, propulsion, materials, guidance and control, and strategic/geopolitical dimensions), time trends in research activity, and emerging technologies. The findings indicate a strong focus of research on fundamental technical challenges and, at the same time, on the military applications and strategic implications of hypersonic technology. The analysis of scientific maps demonstrates the rapid growth of research activity in recent years and the highly interdisciplinary nature of this field. Also, technologies such as artificial intelligence and directed energy weapons were identified as promising converging areas. The research results provide a structured picture of the current state of hypersonic technology, the main players, the remaining challenges and possible future research directions that can be useful for informed decisions in the area of ​​defense R&D prioritization.