LONDON - British scientists have completed a major hypersonic propulsion test, which is set to power a cutting-edge hypersonic cruise missile concept, a statement by British Defense Ministry said on Sunday.

The test was enabled by close collaboration between British government, industry and US government, said the statement.

A total of 233 test runs were carried out at a number of hypersonic speeds, marking a critical step forward in Britain's defence capabilities, it said.

This research aims to support the delivery of a hypersonic weapon technology demonstrator by 2030, said the statement. This will provide a transformational capability that delivers operational advantage for the future British armed forces, it added.