US lays out plans to speed up hypersonic weapons development
Hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin boasted that the country possesses hypersonic intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), DARPA revealed it has plans to ramp up testing its capabilities portfolio.
During a presidential address to the Federal Assembly in Moscow on 1 March, Putin said Russia had developed a hypersonic capability — the RS-28 Sarmat, a weapon capable of striking the US.
Shortly after, speaking at a defence writer’s breakfast, DARPA Director Steven Walker declined to confirm or deny Putin’s claim. Walker, however, dovetailed into US efforts to ramp up development of such weapons under a ‘national hypersonics initiative’.
‘We
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”]()
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
![Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees]()
Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees
The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
-
![Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market]()
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
-
![Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft]()
Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft
US services have already conducted multiple tests with military maritime systems fitted with the system.
-
![OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”]()
OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”
Europe’s Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) “has to establish itself…as a centre of excellence for cooperative Defence Equipment Programmes” in the face of growing threats and the need for rearmament, according to the organisation’s chairman.
