US Missile Edge in Doubt

U.S. investment in hypersonic missiles—capable of traveling at more than five times the speed of sound—is raising questions about their value. They may cost 30% more than ballistic missiles, while their programs face technical challenges and delays. Although procurement contracts for fiscal year 2027 exceed $12 billion, and the Army and Navy have approved investments and purchases totaling more than $50 billion, experts say the existing U.S. arsenal may be sufficient to counter most threats, and less expensive conventional weapons could achieve similar results. The report concludes that the pursuit of these missiles reflects Washington’s fear of falling behind technologically more than an urgent military need, and could lead to massive spending without guaranteeing a decisive advantage.

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