Why armies need to invest in hypersonic weapons

Published by admin at 9 September 2024

Hypersonic weapons, a necessary strategic investment

Hypersonic weapons have unprecedented speed and precision, capable of crossing long distances in a very short time. Hypersonic missiles can reach targets several thousand kilometres away in a matter of minutes, making it difficult for the enemy to retaliate. By flying at more than Mach 5, these weapons reduce the reaction time of enemy defence systems, making them a vital tool in high-intensity conflicts. Developing these technologies requires substantial investment. For example, the United States has invested around €3.2 billion in the research and development of these technologies by 2023.

The production cost of each hypersonic missile can exceed €30 million, but this investment is justified by the fact that they are capable of penetrating the most advanced missile defence systems. States such as Russia, China and the United States are competing to master these technologies. Russia has deployed its Avangard missile system, capable of reaching Mach 27, reinforcing the need for other powers to keep up with this technological advance. The hypersonic race is not just technological, it is also strategic, enabling each country to assert its supremacy in the international military theatre.

Impact on conventional warfare

Hypersonic weapons are redefining the nature of conventional warfare. Their ability to manoeuvre at extreme speeds makes them almost impossible for current defence systems to intercept. Unlike traditional ballistic missiles, which follow predictable trajectories, hypersonic missiles can alter their trajectory in flight, increasing their ability to evade defence systems. This puts pressure on conventional defences, which are becoming obsolete in the face of these new threats.

This technological development is also changing military doctrines. The ability to launch a rapid and effective strike with such a weapon diminishes the role of ground troops and tanks in certain types of conflict, because strategic targets can be eliminated at the start of the conflict. For example, a Russian Kinzhal missile, with a range of 2,000 km and a speed of Mach 10, can hit strategic targets in Europe in a matter of minutes. This redefines air and sea warfare, as air bases, ships and command centres become vulnerable targets.

In economic terms, the integration of these weapons is forcing states to invest more in research to develop effective countermeasures. As a result, nations that cannot afford these technologies risk losing their military influence in modern conflicts. The United States, for example, plans to invest more than 5 billion euros more by 2025 to ensure that it is not technologically outmatched.

The technology race and the geopolitical implications

The race for hypersonic weapons is also a major geopolitical issue. Major powers such as China and Russia are using these technologies to alter the balance of military power. By developing weapons capable of striking targets at great distances in record time, they can threaten entire regions without needing to maintain a direct military presence. China**, for example, has tested its DF-ZF hypersonic missile, capable of manoeuvring at speeds in excess of Mach 5, giving it a significant advantage in the Asia-Pacific region.

Tensions between military powers are exacerbated by the development of these weapons. Nations that do not possess hypersonic missiles are more vulnerable, leading to a proliferation of weapons programmes. In addition, these weapons render traditional disarmament treaties obsolete, as they introduce a new variable into the nuclear deterrence equations. France, for example, has recently stepped up its research in this area, seeking to catch up with the United States and Russia.

The risk of escalation is real. The speed with which these weapons can be deployed increases the pressure to respond quickly, which can lead to hasty decisions. In addition, the ability to conduct pre-emptive strikes with hypersonic weapons could increase international tensions. It is therefore imperative that nations invest not only in these technologies, but also in diplomatic mechanisms to oversee their use.

The technological challenge and developing solutions

Developing hypersonic weapons poses considerable technical challenges. The main difficulty lies in managing the heat generated by the extreme speed. At Mach 5, the surface temperature of missiles can exceed 1,500°C, which requires materials capable of withstanding extreme conditions without compromising the structure of the weapon. Research is focusing on the use of advanced composites and heat-resistant materials, such as ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTC).

Another challenge relates to propulsion. Hypersonic missiles must use scramjet (supersonic combustion ramjet) engines to maintain such high speeds while being light enough to be manoeuvrable. These engines require advances in supersonic combustion, a technology that is still in the development phase in many countries. The United States has made progress with its Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC) programme, but there are still many technical challenges, particularly in terms of flight stability.

Investment in hypersonic weapons is now a necessity for modern armies wishing to remain militarily competitive. These weapons are revolutionising conventional warfare by reducing reaction times, rendering current defences obsolete and changing military strategies. However, they also bring new challenges, particularly on the diplomatic, technological and economic fronts. Countries must not only invest in these technologies, but also develop control frameworks to prevent the uncontrolled escalation of conflicts.

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