... technology is the most sophisticated one, with main challenges related to fuels and materials required for propulsion at hypersonic speeds.
Who are the players?
Currently the most active and diverse hypersonic weapons related programs are ongoing in Russia, China and the United States. These three countries are pursuing the whole range of technologies and capabilities with tactical and strategic missions, have the best expertise, testing facilities and domestic production for most components. France, India,...
... missile defence system may be turned from a defensive weapon (against Iran) into an offensive one (against Russia).
Other Nuclear Powers and the Future of the INF Treaty
Other official nuclear powers could play a positive role in the current crisis. China is a very important component of the equation: on the one hand, it is has the largest number of missile systems, both nuclear and conventional, which may be covered by the INF Treaty definitions; the United States
estimates
that up to 95 per cent ...
... Agreement
By withdrawing from the INF treaty, the U.S. is giving itself free rein not only in Europe but also in Asia. Beijing is likely to feel the impact of the U.S’s decision. Sooner or later, the Pentagon may start expanding its arsenal for deterring China to ensure that it maintains “escalation dominance.” Intermediate-range systems could play a significant role toward this end if U.S. allies in the region agree to host them.
Global security will also lose out. The nuclear nonproliferation regime,...