Hermeus has raised $350M, at a $1B valuation to continue building autonomous hypersonic aircraft. An F-16-sized demonstrator flew in March.

TNW is a technology media company that covers the latest trends, news, and insights in the tech industry. With a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital culture, TNW offers resources for developers, startups, and tech enthusiasts. Developers can learn about emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices through TNW's articles, podcasts, and events.

The Next Web

Hermeus, a Los Angeles-based defence startup building autonomous hypersonic aircraft, has raised $350M at a $1B valuation. The round includes $200M in equity led by Khosla Ventures and $150M in debt. The company flew its second demonstrator — F-16-sized — in March, with a third aircraft now in development. CEO AJ Piplica embraces hardware failure as part of the iterative build cycle, citing SpaceX as the closest model. A key strategic shift involved partnering with Pratt & Whitney to adapt the F100 engine rather than building from scratch, shortening timelines and opening DoD contracting opportunities. The raise comes amid a surge in defence tech investment, with global venture funding in the sector crossing $9B last year.