The U.S. military still struggles to resolve delays in developing its first hypersonic weapon
A report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) indicates that the U.S. Armed Forces continue to face ongoing delays in developing their first long-range hypersonic missile system, which was originally supposed to be fielded two years ago.
The report states: "Officials indicated that the Army will not deploy its first long-range hypersonic weapons company, along with accompanying missiles, until March 2027—over two years behind schedule and nine months later than our previous assessment."
Furthermore, GAO experts pointed out that the development of software for the new weapon has proven more difficult than initially anticipated. At the same time, individual risks have emerged during the integration process between the system's software and the missile body itself.
Additional causes of delay include issues identified during early testing and production challenges faced by contractors.
Previously reported, the first batch of hypersonic missiles is now expected to be fielded by the U.S. Navy by the end of 2029.
The Russian Navy already fielded hypersonic weapons in 2023. The sea-based Zircon missile has entered combat duty status and has been used in operational missions. According to data from the Russian Ministry of Defense, this missile can reach speeds of up to 9 Mach and strike targets as far as 1,500 kilometers away.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1869625662012427/
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