Hermeus Raises $350M for Hypersonic Defense Jets, Hits Unicorn Status

Aerospace startup Hermeus has successfully secured $350 million in a Series C funding round led by Khosla Ventures. This latest capital injection propels the company's valuation past the $1 billion mark, solidifying its status as a "unicorn" in the defense technology sector. The funds are earmarked for the development of "Quarterhorse" and "Darkhorse," uncrewed aircraft designed to reach hypersonic speeds exceeding Mach 3. Notable participants in the round include RTX Ventures, the venture arm of Raytheon, and In-Q-Tel, the investment arm of the CIA. The move highlights a growing strategic focus on high-speed, cost-effective aerial platforms to gain a competitive edge in modern warfare. While Hermeus remains a private entity, the involvement of major defense players like RTX signals a bullish outlook for the broader aerospace and defense industry.