Hypersonic threats force Pentagon to modernise its missile defence architecture
The NDAA for FY2024 has allocated nearly 2.5 billion to hypersonic-related programmes including the Glide Phase Interceptor. (Image source: Raytheon Missiles and Defense)
The US DoD has been updating policies, enhancing partnerships with allies and acquiring new sensors and systems.
In order to face threats posed by Russian and Chinese hypersonic capabilities, the US military has been seeking ways to modernise its missile defence architecture. The Pentagon has been conducting several efforts in the area including updating policies, enhancing partnerships with allies and acquiring new sensors and systems.
‘The problem right now is the enemy is not going ballistic,’ Richard Ritter, program executive for sensors, command and control at the Missile Defense Agency, claimed during a recent webinar conducted by the US-based think tank CSIS. ‘They are rapidly going to manoeuvring and other types of weapons not just hypersonic’,
The National
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![UK artillery factory opens as defence review inches forward]()
UK artillery factory opens as defence review inches forward
The new artillery and howitzer factory pre-dates the emphasis on this capability from this month’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR). The first joint industry-government meeting outlined in the review took place this week.
-
![Refresh of Romanian army vehicles speeds up]()
Refresh of Romanian army vehicles speeds up
Romania received its first Cobra MkII 4×4 light tactical armoured vehicles, ordered Abrams main battle tanks (MBTs) and VAMTAC light vehicles, and is set to invest billions-of-dollars in infantry fighting vehicles.
-
![Italy begins hunt for Puma replacement]()
Italy begins hunt for Puma replacement
The Italian Army operates Pumas in 6×6 and 4×4 configurations but the platforms are ageing and numbers have fallen with obsolescence also being an issue. Any replacement is likely to have a focus on the involvement of local industry.
-
![Orders roll in for VAMTAC tactical vehicles as first is delivered to New Zealand]()
Orders roll in for VAMTAC tactical vehicles as first is delivered to New Zealand
The VAMTAC (Vehículo de Alta Movilidad Táctico or High Mobility Tactical Vehicle) 4×4 by Urovesa is in service with or has been ordered by eight countries, the most recent being Spain this month and Romania last month.
-
![Precision Strike Missile engine successfully tested from M270A2 launcher]()
Precision Strike Missile engine successfully tested from M270A2 launcher
Lockheed Martin’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) is a next-generation surface-to-surface missile with the solid rocket motor (SRM) provided by Northrop Grumman. The company is working to boost its SRM production capability.
-
![CV90 user group signs agreement to improve procurement and commonality]()
CV90 user group signs agreement to improve procurement and commonality
The CV90 is in service with or ordered by ten countries. The agreement between six of these countries is designed to create commonality to provide economies of scale and a reduced training burden.
