US general repeatedly warns about Russian and Chinese hypersonic weapons
In a series of unusually outspoken statements, the general in charge of the US nuclear arsenal repeatedly warned that Russia and China are actively developing new hypersonic weapons that could defeat the country's current defense capabilities.
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| General John Hyten, Commander of the US Strategic Command. Photo: Reuters |
Russia and China may not be able to field new weapons that travel five times faster than the speed of sound for several years, according to four-star General John Hyten, commander of the US Strategic Command (STRATCOM). However, the US needs to make urgent changes to its missile defense systems if it does not want to lose the ability to intercept these weapons when deployed.
"China has tested hypersonic capabilities. Russia has tested hypersonic capabilities. We have tested hypersonic capabilities. Hypersonic capabilities are a serious challenge. We need a different sensor system to monitor those threats. Our adversaries know this," Hyten said in an interview with CNN.
Hypersonic capabilities mean the new weapons could reach speeds of Mach 5, or 3,800 mph. Hyten and other military officials say the current generation of US satellites and radars will not be able to detect these new weapons.
According to analysts, hypersonic missiles fly into space after launch, but then lower their altitude and fly at high speeds along a path similar to an airplane. The lower path makes it easier for them to bypass US missile defense systems (including satellites and radar).
The Pentagon is currently reviewing US missile defense systems to determine what new capabilities are needed. Mr. Hyten is proposing better sensors and improved warheads with greater lethality.
The Pentagon is also studying the idea of interceptor missiles, capable of shooting down multiple incoming "enemy" missiles at once.
