U.S. Urged to Accelerate Hypersonic Weapons Testing Amid Global Race

Yorktown Institute president Seth Cropsey warns that the U.S. is at a critical juncture in the development of hypersonic and counter-hypersonic weapons. He stresses the need for aggressive testing, as China and Russia rapidly advance their hypersonic capabilities. The U.S. conducted only two long-range hypersonic weapon tests in 2024, reflecting a risk-averse mindset within the Pentagon and defense industry. Cropsey argues that the next three annual defense budgets will be crucial in determining America’s ability to keep pace with global adversaries. The article highlights growing concerns over U.S. military preparedness in an evolving strategic landscape.

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