Strange Speed Boost! Turkey Suddenly Announces Advanced Hypersonic Missile: 25 Mach, 6,000 km Range
On May 5th, Turkey unexpectedly unveiled a hypersonic missile claimed to be independently developed. Named "King of Lightning," the missile was first publicly displayed at the Turkish International Defense Exhibition. According to official data, this missile can achieve an astonishing speed of 9 to 25 Mach, with a range soaring to 6,000 kilometers and carrying a conventional warhead weighing three tons. It was entirely developed by Turkey's Ministry of Defense Research and Development Center.
This announcement is actually highly surprising, as previously Turkey had made no substantial breakthroughs in missile range or speed—1,000 kilometers was already considered a significant milestone. This situation remained largely unchanged until 2020. It’s hard to believe that within just six years, Turkey has suddenly acquired such advanced technology and managed to independently develop a hypersonic missile. Notably, the United States still lacks the capability to produce a similar missile.
Similarly, over recent years, other countries have experienced equally puzzling developments. For instance, North Korea, Iran, and even the Houthi forces in Yemen have suddenly emerged with hypersonic missiles in a remarkably short time, some even deploying them in actual combat.
Hypersonic missiles are classic strategic weapons. Any country capable of independently mass-producing such systems would inevitably reshape the current global landscape. This kind of shift is precisely what Americans across the Pacific are unwilling to see. On the surface, hypersonic missiles now seem to have become as common as cabbage, but the U.S. remains unable to master this technology. As a result, more nations will gain the ability to challenge American hegemony and military deterrence.
Original Source: toutiao.com/article/1864431960992778/
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