US Reportedly Completes Successful Hypersonic Missile Test

US Reportedly Completes Successful Hypersonic Missile Test

(USNewsBreak.com) – On April 5, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) released information about the launch of a hypersonic missile. Partnering with the US Air Force, DARPA launched the Lockheed Martin Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC) in March. The agency said the missile flew faster than Mach 5 speeds for “an extended period of time.” It also went more than 300 nautical miles and reached an altitude higher than 65,000 feet.

DARPA noted this is the second such test flight. The previous one took place in September 2021, using a different missile. The statement explained the test adds more to the US arsenal and advances the technology available on potential battlefields.

CNN reported that the White House held back the announcement of the launch on purpose. Due to the current situation with Russia and a scheduled NATO summit in Europe for the president, the Biden administration decided to delay releasing information to avoid increasing international tensions. However, on Wednesday, April 6, President Joe Biden released a statement alongside Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson promising to cooperate on strategies to enhance hypersonic weapon and defense capabilities.

Previously in early March, the US Department of Defense postponed a test of the Minuteman III. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin decided to show the United States is “a responsible nuclear nation” after categorizing Russian President Vladimir Putin as irresponsible in his actions and words.

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