According to a newly released report, the United States is lagging behind Russia and China when it comes to hypersonic weapons development.
This report, shared by the Atlantic Council and covered by Axios, underscores a growing “battlefield asymmetry” arising from the U.S.’s slow progress compared to the persistent efforts of its adversaries.
Newsweek reached out to the U.S. Department of Defense for their take on the findings.
Significance of the Issue
The report released by the Atlantic Council’s Hypersonic Capabilities Task Force emphasizes that hypersonic weapons are altering the landscape of modern warfare. They pose a significant threat to the existing military superiority of Western nations, particularly impacting the strategic positioning of the U.S.
This warning arrives coinciding with the Trump administration’s initiative, which aims to invest $175 billion in a missile defense system known as the “Golden Dome for America.” This project is intended to shield against advanced missile threats, including hypersonic weapons, from countries like China, Russia, and North Korea.
Key Insights from the Report
The report from the Atlantic Council emphasizes that there is a noticeable and escalating gap in hypersonic capabilities between the U.S. and its counterparts in China and Russia.
Hypersonic weapons can travel at speeds faster than Mach 5, maneuver in-flight, and are particularly hard to detect and intercept with current missile defense technologies.
The insights, informed by high-ranking former officials from the Department of Defense, U.S. Army, Air Force, and nuclear security sectors, indicate that the U.S. cannot merely rely on minor advancements to address this emerging asymmetry.
Here are some crucial findings and recommendations from the study:
- Hypersonic technology signifies a largely transformative shift in modern military operations
- Existing missile defense systems, like THAAD and Patriot, might get overwhelmed by precise hypersonic attacks and are cost-intensive
- The U.S. should invest in cost-effective, high-capacity missile alternatives and reusable hypersonic vehicles for intelligence and operational functions
- Enhanced collaboration with allies, such as through the AUKUS Pillar 2, is vital for joint development and production of hypersonic technology
- It’s essential for the U.S to examine hypersonic delivery mechanisms for nuclear capabilities, as traditional aircraft may not survive future threats in the 2030s
At the moment, Russia is assessing hypersonic systems, including the Kinzhal, Tsirkon, and Avangard missiles. China is equipped with systems like the DF-17 and DF-26, among others.
The U.S. is working on its range of hypersonic systems, including the Long Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), Conventional Prompt Strike, Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW), and the Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM). Many of these technologies are still undergoing tests or have limited deployment as per a report from the Congressional Research Service in August.
Reactions from Experts
Stephen Rodriguez, director of the task force, stated to Axios: “It’s crucial that we act decisively now. We need to aggressively launch the first generation of U.S. hypersonic systems while fundamentally rethinking how we maintain an industrial base capable of affordable capabilities for the next batch.”
Deborah Lee James, former Air Force secretary and co-chair of the task force, shared her perspective with National Defense Magazine, asserting: “The urgency is real. This report aims to provide actionable plans to help reverse our current trajectory and tackle the significant issue of developing hypersonic capabilities.”
What’s Next?
The Pentagon and Congress are deliberating on potential responses to the hypersonic threat. Suggestions range from fast-tracking development of new weapons, appointing a centralized leader for weapons management, improving collaboration across different governmental agencies, and modernizing detection/defense systems.
Future U.S. investments in missile defensive initiatives, like the “Golden Dome,” coupled with continued collaboration with essential allies, will be crucial as the U.S. addresses revolutionary advancements from strategic competitors. Expect further discussions in Congress and additional reports in the months ahead that will delve into budget decisions and the oversight of hypersonic weaponry and defense strategies.
