The project is currently seeking approximately $5 million, which is intended to be allocated toward completing development and preparing for production.
The project is initiated by MPE “SR Orion”, a company established to develop and manufacture new types of industrial and specialized equipment, as well as to program artificial intelligence systems and digital sensors.
The development involves creating the “Nika” hypersonic cruise missile, capable of flight using a combined propulsion system that integrates a rotating detonation engine (RDE) and a ramjet engine. Both systems are combined within a unified propulsion cycle using hydrogen as fuel.
According to the concept, the missile can be launched from both ground platforms and aircraft. At the initial stage, the rotating detonation engine provides launch, altitude gain, and acceleration, after which the ramjet engine is activated to sustain hypersonic flight. The projected cruise speed is approximately 8,680 km/h, with an operating altitude of 20–50 km.
The missile design follows the Waverider principle, reducing aerodynamic drag and radar visibility. The body is expected to be manufactured from heat-resistant composite materials using 3D printing technologies.
The project is being developed based on a modular architecture, allowing flexible configuration of guidance, navigation systems, and payload types depending on mission requirements. This approach reduces development costs while increasing range and overall system efficiency.
According to the developers, laboratory testing and modeling of key subsystems have already been conducted, including CFD modeling of engines, control systems, and aerodynamic characteristics. Individual components and assemblies have also been tested, with results documented and preserved.
Based on preliminary parameters, the missile’s range may reach up to 1,800 km for air launch and up to 1,500 km for ground launch. The developers also state that the system will be capable of maneuvering in a high-altitude hypersonic regime, potentially enabling it to overcome modern air defense systems.
The global missile systems market continues to show strong growth. According to Allied Market Research, it is expected to expand by $60 billion by 2030, creating significant opportunities for new defense tech developments.
As part of the project presentation, the developers also compare the “Nika” concept with the Barracuda-500 system by Anduril Industries. Key advantages of the Ukrainian project include hypersonic speed, extended range, hydrogen fuel, multi-platform launch capability, and modular architecture.
To date, no external investment has been raised, with development funded by the team’s own resources. The developers aim to raise approximately $5 million to build the first prototype, with potential scaling of the defense startup to $20 million.
The project initiator is considering various cooperation formats with investors, including equity participation or a share of future revenues, as well as the possibility of granting exclusive rights to use the technology in specific markets.
Additional information about the project is available on the InVenture investment platform.
