We've already seen the introduction of hypersonic missile technology being utilized in the Ukraine war, delivered to the impact zone by none other than Russia. According to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, "Moscow's use of novel weapons marks their first deployment in combat.... Russia hypersonic weapons use in Ukraine are not a game changer." Earlier in 2021, China had also made claims and tested hypersonic missiles. However, this is not a new technology. China first tested the technology in 2014 and Russia tested it in 2016, notated by CNN on 10/18/2021.
Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines hypersonic as 'of or relating to speed five or more times that of sound in air.'
On a more military platform, the term 'hypersonic cruise missile' is an advanced cruise missile which can be launched from any vehicle, whether it be launched from the air, surface, warship, or even submarine launches, which can cruise at five times the speed of sound or more.
Today at a meeting with the Strategic Forces Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee, defense against such missiles was discussed. Their topic was strategic forces missile defense for the fiscal year of 2023. Testimony was given by Navy Vice Admiral Jon A. Hill, Missile Defense Agency Director. He said, "The Missile Defense Agency mission is to develop and deploy a layered missile defense system to defend the United States, its deployed forces, allies and friends from missile attacks in all phases of flight," he said.
The MDA, working with the U.S. Space Force and Space Development Agency, are planning on launching two prototype satellites. The satellites will be collecting tracking data to ensure that missiles would be pinpointed from space. If the mission is successful, this would become an integral arm of the hypersonic missile defense system for the United States and its allies.
Source #1: U.S. Defense Department
Source #2: CNN
Source #3: Washington Examiner
Source #4: Merriam-Webster
Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines hypersonic as 'of or relating to speed five or more times that of sound in air.'
On a more military platform, the term 'hypersonic cruise missile' is an advanced cruise missile which can be launched from any vehicle, whether it be launched from the air, surface, warship, or even submarine launches, which can cruise at five times the speed of sound or more.
Today at a meeting with the Strategic Forces Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee, defense against such missiles was discussed. Their topic was strategic forces missile defense for the fiscal year of 2023. Testimony was given by Navy Vice Admiral Jon A. Hill, Missile Defense Agency Director. He said, "The Missile Defense Agency mission is to develop and deploy a layered missile defense system to defend the United States, its deployed forces, allies and friends from missile attacks in all phases of flight," he said.
The MDA, working with the U.S. Space Force and Space Development Agency, are planning on launching two prototype satellites. The satellites will be collecting tracking data to ensure that missiles would be pinpointed from space. If the mission is successful, this would become an integral arm of the hypersonic missile defense system for the United States and its allies.
Source #1: U.S. Defense Department
Source #2: CNN
Source #3: Washington Examiner
Source #4: Merriam-Webster
