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Hypersonic missiles represent one of the most advanced and contested weapons technologies in modern warfare. Here are some facts about hypersonic missiles:
• Speed definition: Hypersonic weapons are any missile that travels beyond Mach 5, which is five times the speed of sound.
• Advanced navigation required: In modern warfare, experts say hypersonic weapons must have advanced navigation systems that make them nimble and capable of changing trajectory midflight.
• Defense challenge: These missiles can challenge traditional defense systems because they fly on less predictable trajectories compared to ballistic missiles, making them harder to intercept.
• Manufacturing complexity: The technology requires withstanding extreme temperature and momentum stresses, which most countries cannot successfully engineer.
• Altitude advantage: Hypersonic glide vehicles can fly lower than traditional ballistic missiles, using terrain to hide from radar and reducing response time for defense systems.
• Global development: Multiple countries, including Brazil, Australia, the U.K., France, Germany, Iran, Japan, South Korea and North Korea, all have hypersonic weapons programs in development.
Read more: Hypersonic missiles are stirring fears in the Iran-Israel conflict. Here’s why
This article is written with the assistance of generative artificial intelligence based solely on Washington Times original reporting and wire services. For more information, please read our AI policy or contact Ann Wog, Managing Editor for Digital, at awog@washingtontimes.com
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