Hermeus Raises $350 Million for Autonomous Hypersonic Fighter Development

Defense aviation startup Hermeus has raised $350 million to advance its development of autonomous hypersonic fighter aircraft. The funding comes as the Atlanta-based company pursues ambitious goals in next-generation military aviation technology. The company has completed two successful flight demonstrations of its Quarterhorse unmanned aircraft and is preparing for a third test that aims to achieve supersonic speeds. The funding round reflects sustained investor interest in defense technology amid rising geopolitical tensions. Hermeus is targeting the development of aircraft capable of speeds exceeding Mach 5. The autonomous capabilities align with broader Defense Department priorities for uncrewed combat aircraft that can operate alongside piloted fighter jets. The investment underscores growing venture capital flows into dual-use and defense-focused startups as military customers seek commercial-sector innovation.