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Hypersonic missiles represent one of the most advanced and contested weapons technologies in modern warfare. Here are some facts about hypersonic missiles:
• Speed definition: Hypersonic weapons are any missile that travels beyond Mach 5, which is five times the speed of sound.
• Advanced navigation required: In modern warfare, experts say hypersonic weapons must have advanced navigation systems that make them nimble and capable of changing trajectory midflight.
• Defense challenge: These missiles can challenge traditional defense systems because they fly on less predictable trajectories compared to ballistic missiles, making them harder to intercept.
• Manufacturing complexity: The technology requires withstanding extreme temperature and momentum stresses, which most countries cannot successfully engineer.
• Altitude advantage: Hypersonic glide vehicles can fly lower than traditional ballistic missiles, using terrain to hide from radar and reducing response time for defense systems.
• Global development: Multiple countries, including Brazil, Australia, the U.K., France, Germany, Iran, Japan, South Korea and North Korea, all have hypersonic weapons programs in development.
Read more: Hypersonic missiles are stirring fears in the Iran-Israel conflict. Here’s why
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