A new report has been published on the development of hypersonic
missile technologies, their use in military operations, and
possible implications for global stability. The Defence Science
and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is
playing a key role in the development of these concepts and
technologies within the UK.
There is no widely accepted definition for the term ‘hypersonic
missile’ according to this new
report, but it is generally used to describe missiles that
“travel within the Earth’s atmosphere for sustained periods at
speeds greater than five times the speed of sound, whilst being
able to make significant manoeuvres that change the missile’s
direction.”
Report overview
- China and Russia have reportedly deployed hypersonic missiles
that could deliver conventional or nuclear weapons
- The US is testing multiple hypersonic technologies
- The AUKUS agreement between the UK, US and Australia includes
developing hypersonic and counter-hypersonic technologies
- Hypersonic missiles are expensive and technically demanding
to develop (their uses and effectiveness are still being
assessed)
- Speed, manoeuvrability and altitude may challenge existing
missile defences
- Some analysts say they could increase risk of conflict;
others say they will not alter the strategic balance between
nuclear powers
- Arms control, export controls and other measures may help
limit potential harm to peace and stability, but face challenges
The UK does not have a hypersonic missile capability, but the
Ministry of Defence (MOD) has announced a hypersonics
programme to develop “future hypersonic concepts and
technologies”.
In 2022, it was announced that Australia, the US and the UK would
collaborate on the development of hypersonic and
counter-hypersonic capabilities via the AUKUS security
partnership.
You can download
the full report from the Parliamentary Office of Science
and Technology (POST)
website.
