Hypersonic weapons continue to be at the forefront of modern military technology, with countries such as Russia, China, and the United States making significant strides in their development. Hypersonic weapons systems are classified according to their speed and range, with the fastest reaching or exceeding a speed of Mach 5, which is 5 times the speed of sound.
The two main categories of hypersonic weapons are hypersonic glide systems and powered cruise missiles. While cruise missiles are propelled by rocket-powered engines, hypersonic glide systems accelerate to hypersonic speeds and then glide unpowered to complete their missions.
Russia has reportedly deployed intercontinental range systems such as Avangard and the Kinzhal, as well as developing the Tsirkon, a ship-launched hypersonic system. China has publicly displayed its DF-17 medium-range hypersonic boost-glide system and tested the new DF-ZF. These developments indicate that hypersonic weapons are becoming more widespread and accessible.
The United States is also heavily invested in developing medium- and intermediate-range hypersonic strike weapons, including the Conventional Fast Strike Weapon (CPS), the Long Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), the AGM-183 Air Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW), and the Tactical Boost Weapon (TBG).
With increasing development and deployment of hypersonic weapons, defense capabilities are expected to be developed to counteract these weapons. The United States, for example, is expected to utilize the initial benefits of its global ICBM defense systems and develop integrated defense systems to provide protection against hypersonic attacks.
Detection and tracking of hypersonic weapons are also essential for defense. Ground-based radars have limitations for tracking lower-flying threats such as cruise missiles, and space-based sensors are being explored to provide persistent coverage beyond the range of ground sensors.
In line with this, the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and Space Development Agency (SDA) have announced a space program in low Earth orbit (LEO) to detect and intercept hypersonic vehicles. The program consists of six satellites that aim to create a global network of sensors to act as a barrier against ballistic and hypersonic missiles from countries like China and Russia.
In 2024, the Tracking Layer constellation, USSF-124, will be launched by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Base, Florida. This constellation is expected to play a crucial role in tracking and intercepting hypersonic threats and ensuring global security.
The ongoing development and deployment of hypersonic weapons mark a new era in military technology and great power rivalry, and the race to develop effective defensive systems and capabilities is expected to be intense. As technology continues to advance, these developments will have significant implications for global security and the balance of power among nations.