News Analysis
When news broke last year about a secret Chinese hypersonic missile test, the world was stunned. Pentagon officials appeared blindsided as news reported that a hypersonic missile had circled the earth and struck down towards a target. Lawmakers demanded that long-delayed military research be reinvigorated to counter the threat.
The United States and China have both worked tirelessly to further develop their hypersonic capabilities since then and, according to one expert, the United States is losing the race.
“China has effectively taken the lead in the hypersonic weapons race due to the breadth and depth of its technology investments,” said Rick Fisher, a senior fellow at the International Assessment and Strategy Center, a security-focused think tank….