We have more newsletters
The US military has completed its first successful test of a deadly hypersonic missile, adding fuel to the fire of the world's most terrifying arms race yet.
The weapon was launched from a long-range B-52 bomber off of the coast of California—the same type of aircraft that was used to spook Soviet Russia during the Cold War.
The so-called ARRW weapon hit hypersonic speeds five times faster than the speed of sound, with the Pentagon confirming that 'all objectives were met' as the weapon 'detonated in the terminal area'.
READ NEXT:Putin successfully tests devastating nuclear-capable 'Satan-2' hypersonic missile
The hypersonic missile test marks an escalation in the race to develop these deadly weapons, which can reportedly avoid detection and defence systems.
Brigadier General Jason Bartolomei said: "The ARRW team successfully designed and tested an air-launched hypersonic missile in five years.
"I am immensely proud of the tenacity and dedication this team has shown to provide a vital capability to our warfighter."
US officials have said that Russia fired hypersonic missiles at targets in Ukraine, while China has already performed a series of tests.
Considering we were already at a stage forty years ago where major world powers could wipe each other off the face of the planet in seconds, the news will hardly fill anybody except warmongers with confidence.
How to activate your iPhone's hidden 'snow alert' system to warn you about the weather
While the long-held doctrine of mutually assured destruction supposedly stabilises relations between military powers by averting nuclear escalation, developments like these can arguably have a greater destabilising effect on the world.
That's because the potential casualties and consequences of weapons like hypersonic missiles are so high that there can't really be any takebacks if there's a systems failure or an accidental launch. The destruction they're capable of creating makes global military relations inherently more risky, not safer.
That hasn't stopped the US from launching a partnership with the UK and Australia to accelerate the development of hypersonic missiles.
Let's just hope that those with their fingers on the triggers don't get restless.
READ MORE:
- Bizarre Game Awards saw 'weird kid' invade stage alongside a bonkers flute player and Al Pacino
- 'Invisibility cloak' hides your face from AI facial recognition for £57
- Dangerous 'Grinch' Amazon text scam 'designed to steal Christmas'
- First Elden Ring DLC update adds Gladiator-style colosseums
- WhatsApp rolls out 'terrifying' metaverse avatars
- Military
- China
- Russia
- Hypersonic
Source: Read Full Article