DoD needs to demystify hypersonic weapons technology

摘要

Hypersonic weapons are drawing more media attention as China and Russia roll out new systems. These weapons, once deployed, will pose a critical threat to the United States at home and abroad. Although this is an important national security issue, it is not one that is readily explained to non-expert audiences. Hypersonic capabilities have the potential to rewrite the balance of power across land, sea, air and space. We need to demystify the technology to ensure the nation makes the necessary investments to secure U.S. leadership in hyperson-ics over the next decade. This is key in building a consensus around the implications of the rise of hypersonic weapons.