China's hypersonic missile test is a Sputnik moment

Washington/Beijing – China’s hypersonic missile test is a shocking development comparable to Sputnik, warns US Defence Chief General Mark Milley. Along with General Milley, Deputy Chief of Staff General Hyten also expressed concern over China’s hypersonic test, claiming that China had conducted nearly 100 tests of the technology. A few days ago, a senior US senator also demanded that the US Congress convene an urgent meeting with the Department of Defense and intelligence agencies on the issue of China’s tests.

Last week, UK’s Financial Times reported on China’s hypersonic missile tests. It said China had tested two hypersonic nuclear missiles. The first test was conducted in July and the second in August, according to the Financial Times. The first test was conducted on July 27 and involved the use of a hypersonic glide vehicle.

The second test was conducted on August 13. Both tests show that the Chinese missile travelled through Earth’s low orbit. Both tests are said to have been carried out without giving any clue to US agencies. A newspaper claimed that the capabilities shown by Chinese missiles during the tests were astonishing to the US agencies. The warning issued by the US Defense Chief reaffirmed this.

‘The test of a hypersonic missile carried out by China is a significant event in terms of technology. I don’t know if it’s quite a Sputnik moment, but I think it’s very close to that. Missiles developed by China are a matter of great concern,’ General Mark Milley warned. Milley’s mention of Sputnik is noteworthy.

Russia launched the first artificial satellite, Sputnik, in 1957, to the amazement of the United States. The incident marked the beginning of a space race between the two countries.

Following Chief General Milley’s footsteps, Deputy Defense Chief General Hyten also warned that China’s test was a serious matter. At a meeting, General John Hyten noted that China has conducted more than 100 hypersonic technology and missiles tests. The United States has conducted nine tests of hypersonic technology in the last five years; Considering this, we realise how worrying China’s tests are, Hyten said. Given the pace at which China is advancing, it will soon overtake the United States and Russia, the deputy defense chief claimed.

Leading US defence company Raytheon also noted China’s progress. The company’s chief said that the United States has been behind China in hypersonic technology for many years.