HYPERSONIC WEAPONS – A Technological Challenge for Allied Nations and NATO?

The speed, manoeuvrability, and lower flight trajectory of hypersonic missiles result in shorter warning and response time for the adversary. These factors and the lack of any current missile defence system to shoot them down, make it extremely difficult to defend against

This report offers a brief overview of the current state of hypersonic weapons development, including new key technology (engines, materials, test systems, simulations) and actors.

On the defence side, NATO should evaluate the technical feasibility of devising a system that can be effective against hypersonic weapons. It implies new sensors technologies, new C2, but also a new approach to the overall defence system.

The full 20/11/20 NATO Parliamentary Assembly – Science and Technology Committee (STC) document here.