In Russia, a patent has been registered for a method of detecting and engaging hypersonic aircraft using a transport communication network. The documents are published in the FIPS database.
According to the invention description, the key element of the system is an interceptor fighter, which simultaneously performs the functions of detecting and engaging the target. The coordinates of the hypersonic aircraft are generated using a set of detection sensors and transmitted through an automated control system.
Next, the data is transmitted over a transport communication network, which is used as an information transmission channel for guiding interceptors into the engagement zone. The patent emphasizes that it is the use of the existing transport communication network that speeds up data exchange and reduces reaction time when intercepting hypersonic targets.
Separately, the authors note that in the proposed scheme, the interceptor fighter not only receives target designation, but also acts as the main means of engaging the hypersonic object. This makes it possible to abandon dedicated ground-based engagement means and increase the flexibility of the counteraction system.
It should be noted that as of 2026, there are no serial fighters capable of making a long hypersonic flight at speeds above Mach 5 in the arsenal of any country in the world. Modern 5th generation fighters Su-57, F-35 and J-20 accelerate to Mach 2.5.
