What can stop hypersonic missiles?

Hypersonic – A hypersonic missile exceeds Mach-5 (3,800 mph) and is five times faster than the speed of sound. Currently, there is no operational defence system that can deny the use of these strategic weapons.

What is supersonic cruise missile?

The supersonic cruise missile is capable of hitting targets at more than 400-km range. The test was carried out under PJ-10 project of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), under which the missile was launched with an indigenous booster. The missile was launched from a land-based facility in Odisha.

What is cruise missile and ballistic missile?

According to the Federation of American Scientists, a ballistic missile is one that has a ballistic trajectory over most of its flight path. Cruise missiles are self-propelled for the majority of their time in the air, flying in a relatively straight line and at lower altitudes thanks to a rocket propellant.

What is the maximum speed of a supersonic missile?

Most supersonic missiles travel at a speed between Mach-2 and Mach-3, which is up to 2,300 mph. The most well-known supersonic missile is the Indian/Russian BrahMos, currently the fastest operational supersonic missile capable of speeds around 2,100–2,300 mph. Supersonic missile – Brahmos. Source: Wikimedia

Can hypersonic cruise missiles be intercepted?

“Hypersonic [anti-ship cruise missile] intercepts will be challenging, but may be possible … using high-performance [air-to-air missiles] designed to intercept supersonic aircraft,” the report said. However, interceptors are useless without sensors that can track threats and provide targeting information.

What is the difference between ballistic missiles and hypersonic missiles?

Cruise missiles lack speed while the ballistic missiles can’t maneuver. Hypersonic weapons travel normally at speeds greater than Mach 5 at lower altitudes with maneuverability making them harder to detect and kill than the legacy ballistic and cruise missiles.

How does the United States counter ballistic missile threats?

The US Armed Forces are responsible for countering the ballistic and cruise missile threat through deterrence and, if necessary, active suppression. Threat suppression may include attacks on missile systems, both before launch and in flight, and attacks on their supporting infrastructure.