US successfully tests hypersonic missile technology

a United States Navy It was reported on Thursday (21) that the Americans have successfully tested hypersonic missile technology, a new weapons system that has already been used by China and Russia.

He said in a statement that Wednesday’s test (20) at NASA facilities in Virginia is “a vital step in the development of a joint hypersonic missile designed by the Navy.”

“This test demonstrated advanced hypersonic prototyping technologies, capabilities, and systems in a realistic operating environment,” the Navy explained.

Hypersonic missiles, like conventional ballistic missiles, can fly at more than five times the speed of sound (Mach 5). However, they are more maneuverable than projectiles and can follow a low atmospheric trajectory, which makes them difficult to neutralize.

Ambassador Robert Wood, permanent representative of the United States to the Conference on Disarmament, expressed concern earlier this week after reports that China conducted a test in August of a hypersonic nuclear missile.

According to the Financial Times, China launched a hypersonic missile that completed a round-the-world tour before landing, failing to reach its target.

“We are very concerned about what China is doing on the hypersonic front,” admitted Wood, who will step down next week in Geneva after seven years. China insisted the testing was routine for a new space mission, not a rocket.

Wood warned that Russia also had hypersonic technology, and that while the United States had refrained from developing military capability in this area, it now had no choice but to respond in kind.

In 2019, China introduced a hypersonic medium-range missile, the DF-17, capable of traveling 2,000 km and capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

The missile mentioned in the Financial Times article is another missile with a greater range. It can be placed in orbit before re-entering the atmosphere to reach its target.

a Russia recently launched a hypersonic missile, Zircon, from a submarineAnd since the end of 2019 in service are hypersonic nuclear-capable Avangard missiles, capable of traveling up to Mach 27, changing course and altitude.

The Pentagon hopes to develop its first hypersonic weapons by 2025 and has said it is one of its “top priorities”.