Matt Berman
Hypersonic missiles are capable of traveling more than 3,800 miles per hour and striking targets over 1,700 miles away. While America has yet to deploy a hypersonic missile system amid multiple delays, its adversaries, particularly China and Russia, have already raced ahead. Their weapons may have nuclear payload capabilities that can cross oceans, worrying some American officials about the status of comparable U.S. weapons for defense and deterrence.
Now, the U.S. Army finally seems close to deploying its first hypersonic missile system. Officially known as the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon, the system better known as “Dark Eagle” represents a leap in missile technology. However, the project deadline has continued creeping farther past its 2023 deadline since the Army initiated its accelerated delivery six years ago. Amidst recent news that the missile is technically flightworthy, a question remains: are these potentially expensive delays simply a sign of continued testing or a symptom of doubts and speculation in the military community about the ultimate purpose of such a missile? Does the system’s very potential—a high level of destruction—cause too much concern for it to be rolled out in battle yet?
No comments:
Post a Comment