While there is some plausible deniability one could maintain regarding China’s intentions following the August 2021 launch of a purported reusable hypersonic space vehicle as a “cheap way for humans to use space peacefully,” the intentions from Russia’s recent submarine-based test firing of a hypersonic cruise missile are far clearer: pierce U.S. defenses.

How advanced Russia’s systems are remains to be seen, with U.S. officials doubting the readiness or functionality of these Russian weapons. The reported “surprise” that U.S. intel agencies expressed following the Chinese launch may or may not be accurate, but it is nonetheless concerning. The message is also clear that our adversaries’ investments in hypersonic systems as the next generation of advanced weaponry puts U.S. national security at significant risk.