The US has tested a new hypersonic weapon that is said to fly at five times the speed of sound and enable precise attacks. The test of the AGM-183A Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) airborne weapon took place off the American west coast in southern California, as the US Air Force announced on Monday (local time). “We are doing everything we can to get this groundbreaking weapon ready for combat use as soon as possible,” the statement said.

The new weapon should enable the armed forces to hold their own positions in contested areas from afar. It also enhances precision hitting skills. A Boeing B-52H long-range bomber launched the hypersonic weapon last Saturday and then deployed it. In view of the firing from the air, the Air Force spoke of a test that “made history”.

According to its own statements, Russia has already used the hypersonic missile “Kinzhal” several times in the course of its war of aggression against Ukraine. The eight meter long rockets can fly extremely fast and high. They are therefore very difficult to intercept.