Hypersonic missiles are a new breed of weapons that combine the speed of ballistic missiles with the maneuverability and stealth of cruise missiles. They pose a serious threat to the US and its allies, as they can evade existing missile defense systems and strike with little warning.
Russia and China are leading the race to develop and deploy hypersonic weapons, which they see as a way to challenge the US military dominance and deterrence. Both countries have conducted several tests of their hypersonic missiles, and claim to have achieved operational capability.
The US is not sitting idle, however. The Department of Defense (DOD) is investing heavily in developing its own hypersonic weapons, as well as enhancing its missile defense capabilities to counter the hypersonic threat.
One of the key components of the US hypersonic defense strategy is to establish a space-based sensor layer, which can track and target dim and maneuvering objects in the upper atmosphere and beyond. The Missile Defense Agency (MDA), in collaboration with the Space Force and the Space Development Agency, plans to launch two prototype satellites in March 2023, to demonstrate this capability.
The space sensor layer will provide persistent and timely data to the ground-based interceptors, which are designed to shoot down incoming missiles in their terminal phase. The MDA is also working on developing a glide phase interceptor, which can engage hypersonic missiles in their midcourse phase, when they are gliding at high speeds and altitudes.
Another aspect of the US hypersonic defense approach is to explore alternative ways of destroying or disrupting hypersonic missiles, such as cyberattacks, electronic warfare, directed energy, or kinetic kill vehicles. These methods could complement the conventional kinetic interceptors, and offer more options and flexibility in dealing with the hypersonic threat.
The US is also looking to strengthen its regional missile defense posture, especially in the Indo-Pacific, where China’s hypersonic weapons pose a significant challenge. One of the priorities for the US Army is to bolster the defenses around Guam, a strategic island that hosts several US military bases and assets. However, there are some hurdles and uncertainties for the US to overcome in this regard, such as budget constraints, technical issues, and geopolitical factors.
The hypersonic threat landscape is evolving rapidly, and the US is taking steps to adapt and respond. The development and deployment of new technologies and strategies are crucial in this endeavor. As the situation continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how these developments shape the future of missile defense.
Relevant articles:
– Drag race: hypersonic threats are slow enough for US missile defenses
– Complex Air Defense: Countering the Hypersonic Missile Threat – CSIS
– Drag race: hypersonic threats are slow enough for US missile defenses
– DOD Focused on Hypersonic Missile Defense Development, Admiral Says
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