The US Air Force has announced its successful test measured at five times the speed of sound. The test was conducted last Saturday by a B-52 bomber off the coast of California. The bomber released an Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW). The occurrence of the test was announced by the Air Force on Monday.
US Brig. Gen. Heath Collins said, “This was a major accomplishment for the ARRW team, for the weapons enterprise, and our Air Force.”
He further stated, “The team’s tenacity, enterprise, and commitment were key in overcoming the past year’s challenges to get us to the recent success. We are ready to build on what we’ve learned and continue moving hypersonics forward.”
This test was only conducted by the US Air Force after Russia used hypersonic missiles against Ukraine during its invasion there.
This tech is not a new one. China has also tested hypersonic weapons, according to US officials. However, last October, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs refused to accept it.
Hypersonic weapons are difficult for air defense systems to track and intercept due to their speed and maneuverability.
The US Air Force noted that the new hypersonic weapon “will also expand precision-strike capabilities by enabling rapid response strikes against heavily defended land targets.”