The US is stepping up the development of hypersonic weapons to counter Russia.
The U.S. Department of Defense is increasing funding to compete with Russia and China in the field of hypersonic weapons.
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A US B-52 launches the X-43A hypersonic drone in 2001. Photo:NASA. |
Steven Walker, director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) of the U.S. Department of Defense, said yesterday that the agency has received additional funding for the development of hypersonic weapons, following Russia's recent revelation that it is mass-producing such weapons.Sputnik.
DARPA, the U.S. Air Force, and NASA have been collaborating for years to develop hypersonic technology; however, progress has been limited due to financial constraints.
"We understand that we are competing with countries like Russia and China," Walker stated during a meeting with a group of U.S. defense and security reporters.
Director Walker said the increased funding was a positive first step toward enhancing hyper-range weapons, and expressed hope that testing of such weapons would begin in 2019.
In the State of the Union addressMarch 1stRussian President Vladimir PutinMoscow is said to have made significant progress in missile technology, including the development of an invincible hypersonic weapon capable of overcoming any existing defense system.
The Pentagon later said it was not surprised by the Russian president's announcement, and affirmed that it was fully prepared to deal with any situation.