NORTHCOM head urges US to expedite hypersonic defense development

The head of U.S. Northern Command and NORAD, Gen. Gregory Guillot, urged quick action on developing hypersonic defenses to keep ahead of adversaries like China and Russia. These countries have been rapidly advancing their hypersonic capabilities, posing a threat to U.S. military bases and fleet assets. The Missile Defense Agency is working on interceptors for hypersonic weapons, but a proposed budget cut may delay this program. Guillot views hypersonics as a destabilizing threat due to their speed and maneuverability. In addition, NORTHCOM is facing other missile threats and must continue making improvements to defense systems to keep up with adversaries’ capabilities.