Forbes Predicts Hypersonic Cold War in 2022

Forbes Predicts Hypersonic Cold War in 2022

(RepublicanReport.org) – Earlier this year, the Chinese military sent metaphorical shockwaves through the Pentagon with its apparently successful test of a hypersonic missile. Reports emerged that the Asian nation launched a nuclear-capable missile that went around the globe before landing within 25 miles of its intended target. The United States military is reportedly well behind China regarding this kind of capability. Though our military leaders have not openly discussed what happened in great detail, it’s clear there are major concerns about the test and what it might mean going forward.

Now, analysts are pondering whether this might signal the beginning of another Cold War between the US and China, with other international superpowers potentially getting involved as well.

Saxo Says We’re Headed Toward an Arms Race

In its report called “Outrageous Predictions 2022,” Saxo Bank speculated China’s successful hypersonic missile test could give rise to an arms race between a number of the world’s major superpowers. The report notes that Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Mark Milley referred to the test as a “Sputnik moment.” This comparison with the USSR’s launch of the Sputnik satellite in 1957 illustrated just how seriously our military top brass is taking the new threat China poses.

Now, the Pentagon is most likely in the process of revamping its hypersonic missile development program, as our capabilities appear to be lagging behind China’s. In addition, Saxo’s report speculates that the EU, India, Russia, and Israel may also attempt to catch up to the Chinese’s hypersonic capability.

Why Is Hypersonic Capability Such a Big Deal?

According to Saxo’s report, there are two reasons why hypersonic missiles threaten to open a new chapter in global military relations.

Firstly, hypersonic technology poses a significant threat to established attack and defense systems currently used by the world’s militaries. For example, navy ships would struggle to defend themselves against a hypersonic attack, as the missiles are several times faster than anything currently available. Hypersonic capability could also provide a highly effective defense against traditional attack mechanisms.

The other major issue with hypersonic missiles is that they do away with the old concept of “mutually assured destruction.” Since the Cold War, the risk of nuclear war has been low because countries’ capabilities have matched each other relatively evenly, meaning one nuclear attack would lead to an equally destructive retaliatory attack. If one country gains a decisive edge over the others, though, that presumption might no longer be valid.

Let’s hope our military can address this threat before it’s too late.

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