BLUF
The deterrence value of hypersonic missiles has strategic consequences, especially as a deterrence against attack.Summary
Samantha Hawley and Flint Duxfield writing in ABC News, make the following points:
- Hypersonic missiles travel at least five times the speed of sound-5,600 kilometres per hour.
- New generation hypersonic missiles can manoeuvre in flight, making detection difficult.
- China may already have combat-ready next-generation hypersonic missiles.
- Lockheed Martin hopes to have operational hypersonic missiles in 2024.
- The USA is ahead of China and Russia in developing advanced manoeuvrable air-breathing hypersonic missiles.
Worth noting: Australia is also involved in the development of hypersonic missiles.
References
Recent Runway Posts related to this topic:
- Australia opens hypersonics centre to support defence research -The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
- Is the U.S. Military Ready for a Hypersonic Weapons War? - The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
- Hypersonic weapons are coming—whether we’re ready or not - The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
References from the Web:
- APR 2022 How hypersonic missiles work and the unique threats they pose – an aerospace engineer explains-the Conversation.
- JUL 2022 Hypersonic air-breathing weapon concept passes 2nd flight test-Space.com
- JUL 2022 China tests hypersonic missile with multi-mode engine- New Atlas
