Hypersonic Weapons: Transforming Modern Warfare | UPSC Science and Technology

Hypersonic weapons are advanced military technologies that have emerged as game-changers in modern warfare. These cutting-edge weapons travel at speeds greater than Mach 5, enabling rapid and precise strikes on targets located thousands of kilometers away. This extraordinary speed allows hypersonic weapons to outpace and outmaneuver traditional missile defense systems.

Types of Hypersonic Weapons

Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (HCMs): These are air-breathing missiles that sustain high speeds throughout their flight, combining the maneuverability of a cruise missile with the speed of a hypersonic vehicle.

Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs): HGVs are launched into space using traditional ballistic missile systems. Once in orbit, they re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere and glide towards their targets at hypersonic speeds, making them challenging to track and intercept.

Advantages of Hypersonic Weapons

Increased Speed and Range: The incredible speeds achieved by hypersonic weapons drastically reduce target engagement times, providing a significant tactical advantage. They can reach targets located thousands of kilometers away within minutes.

Enhanced Precision and Lethality: Hypersonic weapons possess exceptional accuracy, enabling precise strikes on critical infrastructure, enemy military installations, or time-sensitive targets.

Challenges

Arms Race and Deterrence: The development and possession of hypersonic weapons by multiple nations could intensify global arms races and increase geopolitical tensions, necessitating efforts to maintain a balance of power.

Defense and Countermeasures: The rapid speed and maneuverability of hypersonic weapons pose significant challenges to existing missile defense systems, requiring nations to invest in innovative countermeasures.

Hypersonic weapons represent a revolutionary leap in military capabilities, offering unprecedented speed, precision, and agility. As these advanced weapons continue to evolve, it is imperative for nations to strike a delicate balance between harnessing their potential for national security

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