Reference News Network reported on May 12 that according to a report from the National Interest bimonthly website on May 6, the US Navy is advancing its "Conventional Prompt Strike" hypersonic missile program, focusing on cold launch systems and the possibility of deploying it on Zumwalt-class destroyers. Meanwhile, concerns persist regarding the cost and effectiveness of hypersonic weapons.

Key to US Military's "Integrated Deterrence"

Last month, the US Navy canceled its Hypersonic Air-Launched Offensive Anti-Surface Target Missile (HALO) project, but recently also tested its "Conventional Prompt Strike" hypersonic missile at the US Space Force Base in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

The Navy appears more focused on which hypersonic weapon project will proceed while others are "buried." The "Conventional Prompt Strike," previously known as the "Prompt Global Strike" program, is currently being jointly developed by the Navy's Strategic Systems Programs office and the Army's Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office.

This program seeks to adopt a "cold launch method," enabling the US conventional forces to respond faster than ever before, striking any location in the world within an hour.

Navy Secretary John Ferebee said in a statement: "The speed, range, and survivability of hypersonic weapons are key to US integrated deterrence. Once deployed, the 'Conventional Prompt Strike' project will provide our warfighters with unparalleled strike capabilities."

The recent flight test is part of the evaluation phase for the operational round (i.e., a complete assembled and ready-to-deploy missile system). This system will include a two-stage solid rocket booster and a common hypersonic glide body capable of carrying a kinetic warhead.

The US Navy announced: "The information collected from this test will inform the continued development and production of the operational round and the first use of this cold launch method on surface ship platforms."

Last year, this operational round conducted two end-to-end flight tests.

Strategic Systems Programs Director Lieutenant General Johnny Wolfe explained: "The cold launch method allows the Navy to eject the missile from the combat platform and reach a safe distance above the vessel before the first stage ignition. This technological achievement takes us one step closer to providing the Navy with safe and reliable hypersonic capabilities."

The "Conventional Prompt Strike" project may be crucial in correcting the mistakes of the US Navy's Zumwalt-class destroyer, a so-called "cutting-edge" warship that has long been known as a "money-guzzling beast," into which the military poured vast amounts of funds with little return.

The unpredictable flight mode of hypersonic weapons enables them to evade radar detection, reducing the opponent's warning time. However, critics argue that these systems have largely failed to meet promised performance. Additionally, their cost could exceed $10 million, making them unaffordable.

However, the US knows it cannot afford to lose the hypersonic weapons race. As a result, the US may end up with another expensive weapon it hopes it never has to use.

Multiple Countries Engage in R&D Competition

According to a report from the National Interest bimonthly website on May 10, while the deployment of sixth-generation technology and platforms is the current hottest topic, another arms race is brewing between the US and its adversaries. Earlier this month, the US Navy successfully test-fired a conventional hypersonic missile, marking a milestone in the Navy's capability to launch such sea-based weapons.

Many countries are conducting research and development in this field. It was reported that Moscow's MiG-21 fighters have been used to deploy Russia's Kh-47M2 "Kinzhal" hypersonic missile, a next-generation hypersonic weapon first disclosed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2018. Iran also claims to possess the "Conqueror" hypersonic missile. Although many emerging technologies pose significant threats to the US, hypersonic missiles are among the most noteworthy.

Why does everyone want hypersonic weapons?

Even the fastest aircraft are far slower than hypersonic missiles. Moreover, hypersonic weapons can change trajectory mid-flight, making interception and destruction by even the most powerful and advanced air defense systems extremely challenging.

Although hypersonic weapons share similarities with other lethal missiles, their uniqueness lies in their primary use for precision strikes, capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies explains that hypersonic missiles are expected to "radically transform modern warfare." If an adversary were to launch a preemptive strike using hypersonic missiles against the US homeland, the military might not have enough warning time to effectively counterattack, as detecting, locating, and intercepting such fast and agile weapons is highly challenging. For this reason alone, investing resources in expanding hypersonic missile research is vital to US national security. (Translated by Zhu Li, Hu Guanghe)

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7503393935500132918/

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