WASHINGTON – Hypersonic weapons unleash destruction traveling at five times the speed of sound. They maneuver with computerized precision while descending back into the earth’s atmosphere toward a target. Their speed and force is so significant, they can inflict damage by sheer kinetic impact without explosives. Kris Osborn of Warrior Maven reports. Continue reading original article
The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:
4 Sept. 2019 -- Many senior Pentagon weapons developers share a common view; defenses against hypersonic weapons are nearly impossible, ushering in an unprecedented tactical reality bound to reshape warfare and force unforeseen strategic adaptations.
How can carrier strike groups project power within striking range of enemy targets? How can mechanized armored columns maneuver while avoiding hypersonic attack? How can the most advanced fighter jets maneuver to avoid impact if there simply is no time?
Perhaps satellites, ICBMs, and defensive weapons such as ground-based interceptors also could be vulnerable? The variables through which hypersonics promise to alter warfare are seemingly limitless. The danger is extremely serious.
Related: Major threats: why U.S. 2020 defense budget massively pushes hypersonic weapons
John Keller, chief editor
Military & Aerospace Electronics
