Eurasia Review | Kelley M. Sayler
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) is actively developing hypersonic boost-glide weapons, which are maneuverable vehicles launched by rocket boosters, distinct from traditional ballistic missiles due to their ability to change course and follow depressed trajectories. Despite a reduced FY2026 budget request, the DOD views these systems as crucial for prompt, accurate strikes against priority targets, capable of evading advanced air and missile defenses. Concurrently, the U.S. expresses significant concern over advancements by Russia and China in this domain. Russia has deployed the nuclear-armed Avangard HGV on SS-19 missiles, designed to penetrate U.S. ballistic missile defenses, while China has operationalized the DF-17 medium-range HGV and is developing a nuclear-capable HGV for the DF-41 ICBM, including a fractional orbital bombardment system (FOBS) variant to evade northern early warning. Analysts debate whether this constitutes an "arms race" and if these weapons are truly "game-changing," given existing ballistic missile threats. The technology raises concerns about crisis instability, potentially incentivizing first strikes due to short flight times. The U.S. is also pursuing defensive systems like Golden Dome, though their feasibility and cost are debated, alongside potential arms control mechanisms.
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