Russia to Fire Sub-Launched Hypersonic Missile from Undersea

Related Video Above: Hypersonic Weapons

By Kris Osborn – President & Editor-In-Chief, Warrior Maven

Russia plans to break new ground with the first-time submarine firing of a hypersonic weapon from beneath the surface of the ocean. 

Russia plans to be the first country to fire a hypersonic missile from a submarine, a new attack prospect likely to introduce new tactical options for commanders looking to attack from the sea. 

Russian Submarine Launched Hypersonic Weapon

Following an upcoming submarine surface launch, the Russians plan to fire hypersonic weapons from beneath the surface of the ocean. What would it mean to have a submarine-launched hypersonic weapon? 

Certainly there are new strategic and tactical implications for joint warfare commanders, who would have a new sphere of attack angles and ranges. 

Certainly submarines can fire high-speed cruise missiles such as U.S. Tomahawks or Russian Kalibr able to travel 500 or more miles per hour, yet an attack weapon capable of traveling at hypersonic speeds introduces an entirely new dimension of surprise attack.