On December 28, 2019, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that Russia has surpassed the United States in the development of hypersonic weapons, citing their unique advances in this field. This statement was made during a Defense Ministry board meeting, where Putin boasted about Russia’s strong edge in developing an innovative class of weapons. According to a transcript released by the Kremlin, Putin said that “not a single country possesses hypersonic weapons, let alone continental-range hypersonic weapons.” Putin’s statement highlights the ongoing competition between Russia and the United States in the development of advanced military technologies.
russian hypersonic weapons development
Putin’s claim is based on the development of several hypersonic weapons systems, including the Kinzhal nuclear-capable air-launched ballistic missile and the Avanguard hypersonic glide vehicle. The Kinzhal missile has entered service and is capable of hitting both land targets and navy ships, with a range of more than 2,000 kilometers and the ability to carry a nuclear or conventional warhead. Russian experts claim that the Kinzhal missile can fly 10 times faster than the speed of sound. The Avanguard prospective weapon, on the other hand, is described by Putin as “a weapon of the future, capable of penetrating both existing and prospective missile defense systems” due to its large-scale range and ability to fly in the atmosphere at a speed 20 times the speed of sound.
us response to russian hypersonic weapons
The development of hypersonic weapons by Russia has raised concerns in the United States, with some experts questioning the ability of US missile defense systems to counter these new threats. According to a statement by the US Department of Defense, “the development of hypersonic weapons by Russia and China poses a significant challenge to US national security.” The US Air Force has initiated the development of a hypersonic missile, awarding a contract to Lockheed Martin, an American global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technologies company. As noted by Dr. Mark J. Lewis, former Chairman of the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Maryland, “the US needs to accelerate its development of hypersonic weapons to counter the growing threat from Russia and China.”
international competition in hypersonic weapons development
The development of hypersonic weapons is not limited to Russia and the United States, with China also working on similar projects. According to reports, Beijing has already tested a hypersonic aircraft, and other countries are likely to follow suit. The international competition in hypersonic weapons development is driven by the potential military advantages of these systems, including their ability to evade missile defense systems and strike targets quickly and accurately. As noted by Admiral Charles Richard, Commander of US Strategic Command, “the development of hypersonic weapons is a key area of competition between the US, Russia, and China, and will play a significant role in shaping the future of military conflict.”
implications of russian hypersonic weapons development
The development of hypersonic weapons by Russia has significant implications for international security, particularly in the context of the ongoing competition between Russia and the United States. The ability of Russia to develop and deploy hypersonic weapons systems could potentially undermine the effectiveness of US missile defense systems, and create new challenges for US military planners. As noted by General John Hyten, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, “the development of hypersonic weapons by Russia and China requires the US to rethink its approach to missile defense and develop new strategies to counter these threats.” The development of hypersonic weapons by Russia also highlights the need for the US to continue investing in the development of advanced military technologies, including hypersonic weapons systems.
The development of hypersonic weapons by Russia is a significant challenge to US national security, and highlights the ongoing competition between Russia and the United States in the development of advanced military technologies. The ability of Russia to develop and deploy hypersonic weapons systems could potentially undermine the effectiveness of US missile defense systems, and create new challenges for US military planners. As the international competition in hypersonic weapons development continues to evolve, it is likely that the US will need to accelerate its development of hypersonic weapons to counter the growing threat from Russia and China. According to President Trump, “the US will continue to invest in the development of advanced military technologies, including hypersonic weapons systems, to ensure that we remain ahead of our adversaries.” The development of hypersonic weapons by Russia and other countries is a significant challenge to US national security, and will require a sustained effort by the US to develop and deploy effective countermeasures.
