The United States lags behind Russia and China in hypersonic technology

Russia and China are already ahead of the United States in the development, production and testing of hypersonic missiles.

Here's What We Know

"China is building a huge number of hypersonic missiles. They plan to have a large stockpile by the end of the decade, despite the fact that they already have a lot. Russia also has some hypersonic missile capability. We have seen them used in Ukraine. Unfortunately, this led to the loss of many lives. The Russians are lagging behind China, but they are still far ahead of us. Russia has been researching hypersonic technology for the past 40 years. In particular, the Kinzhal hypersonic missiles have also been used in Ukraine," said Doug Lamborn, co-chairman of the House Hypersonic Technology Caucus.

According to the congressman, the US military command is preparing for a possible conflict where the US Air Force will have to hit targets at a great distance. However, the US arsenal includes only slow cruise missiles that cannot hit strategic targets fast enough and at a sufficient distance.

"What really unites us on hypersonic technology is the understanding that we were leading the world in hypersonic technology. But as soon as we let off the gas a little bit and turned off the engine, we saw China and Russia literally fly past us ahead. And also when we see what happened in Ukraine. People are very concerned. Putting these issues together really speaks to the concern," said Democratic Congressman Donald Norcross of the House Armed Services Committee.

According to Norcross, the United States is already improving its military production, not least because of Russia's war in Ukraine, but "there's still a long way to go. And yes, we are definitely going to have a Cold War, as early as 2025."

It is worth noting that the United States is still developing the HACM hypersonic cruise missile for the air force and the LRHW hypersonic glider for the army and navy.

Source: Voice of America