The U.S. rush to field hypersonic weapons merits a more critical examination by the Biden administration and Congress given the many unanswered questions about their rationale, technical viability, cost-effectiveness, and escalatory risks. This new report outlines the scope of these unanswered questions and suggests recommended actions.
U.S. Hypersonic Glide Vehicle Test Fails Again
The Biden administration’s fiscal year 2022 budget would accelerate Trump era plans to develop and field conventional hypersonic weapons to compete with Russia and China.
The test vehicle was unable to complete its launch from a B-52 bomber, a setback as the Air Force hastens to make the weapon operational in fiscal year 2022.
Some Pentagon officials say deploying rising numbers of uncrewed ships and planes is vital to confronting two well-armed adversaries—Russia and China—at the same time.
New administration seeks to promote shared norms and new agreements on emerging technologies and cyberspace.
Advisory panel pushes the U.S. military to accelerate work on AI-enabled systems but also calls for restraint measures.
U.S. Emerging Technologies Gain Support
Reducing the risks of militarized emerging technologies will require technologically advanced nations to adopt a sequential, multipart framework strategy.
Autonomous ships could someday compose half of the U.S. Navy, raising concerns over adequate human oversight.