Hypersonic missile defence ‘difficult but tractable’, says CSIS
Graphic of hypersonics in action. (Image: NASA, Keith Henry Archives)
At the current pace, the US may not field a glide-phase interceptor until the 2030s, but a new report from the CSIS indicates that this could be accelerated.
A new report from the US-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) states that just as hypersonic weapons do not ‘follow predictable trajectories’, the US cannot afford to be predictable in how it responds to the threats these new weapons present.
The 'Complex Air Defense: Countering the Hypersonic Missile Threat' report described defending against hypersonic weapons as a ‘difficult but tractable problem’, adding that addressing the threats they pose should be a key driver in how the US rethinks missile defence and transforms its legacy ballistic missile defence (BMD) system.
The report argued that hypersonic defence ‘might be better understood’ as a
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 1 free story per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
![Lockheed Martin conducts first flight of U-2 Avionics Tech Refresh programme]()
Lockheed Martin conducts first flight of U-2 Avionics Tech Refresh programme
Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works has successfully completed the first flight of the U-2 reconnaissance aircraft Avionics Tech Refresh (ATR) programme, an effort to upgrade the type's capabilities for the future battlespace.
-
![PLA shows off new UCAV, while CH-5 achieves sale to Iraq]()
PLA shows off new UCAV, while CH-5 achieves sale to Iraq
China's aerospace industry continues to develop and sell advanced UAVs both at home and on the international market and has displayed UCAVs at the China Helicopter Exhibition in Tianjin.
-
![Northrop Grumman awarded $705 million contract for USAF’s new strike missile capability]()
Northrop Grumman awarded $705 million contract for USAF’s new strike missile capability
The USAF has selected Northrop Grumman to develop and test the Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW), a new air-to-ground weapon system, for fifth-generation aircraft and beyond.
-
![India to add to Su-30MKI fleet with new order]()
India to add to Su-30MKI fleet with new order
India will order a dozen extra Su-30 fighters from Russia, these to be assembled by HAL within India.
-
![Sweden accelerates Gripen E fighter jet delivery]()
Sweden accelerates Gripen E fighter jet delivery
Adjustments to an existing contract aims to facilitate the continued development and operational use of Gripen C/D aircraft beyond 2030, in parallel with the introduction of the Gripen E next-generation fighter.
-
![CH-47 Chinook: why the timeless helicopter design is still a heavy-lift contender on the modern battlefield]()
CH-47 Chinook: why the timeless helicopter design is still a heavy-lift contender on the modern battlefield
From its emergence as a ground-breaking design in the 1950s to its widespread deployment in diverse operations worldwide, the Chinook continues to leave an indelible mark on the aviation landscape. Shephard sums up the latest developments and tells you everything you need to know about the workhorse of many armies and air forces in the 2020s.
