A
hypersonic glide vehicle (
HGV) is a type of
warhead for
ballistic missiles that can maneuver and
glide at
hypersonic speed. It is used in conjunction with ballistic missiles to significantly change their trajectories after launch. Conventional ballistic missiles follow a predictable
ballistic trajectory and are vulnerable to interception by the latest
anti-ballistic missile (ABM) systems. The in-flight maneuverability of HGVs makes them unpredictable, allowing them to effectively evade air defenses. As of 2022, hypersonic glide vehicles are the subject of an
arms race.