Lawmakers in the House of Representatives have launched the Hypersonics Caucus to promote hypersonic weapons utilization in accordance with national security strategy initiatives.
Reps. Mo Brooks (R-AL) and Jim Banks (R-IN) spearheaded the effort.
“Russia and China have spent the past two decades building up their military forces,” Brooks said. “They have thickened their air defenses, invested in anti-ship missiles, anti-satellite capabilities, and invested heavily in systems designed to keep our forces at bay. And yes, they have invested in offensive hypersonic weapon systems. America must now rapidly move forward with the design and fielding of hypersonic weapon systems.”
Hypersonic weapons represent the nation’s best opportunity to evade complex air defense systems and take down enemy systems holding the ability to collect and distribute information, project force and maneuver in theater hostage, Brooks said.
“I’m proud to have formed the first ever Hypersonics Caucus with Congressman Brooks and I’m proud of northeast Indiana’s contributions to Hypersonics research and development. America is safer as a result,” Banks said. “The Caucus creates a dialogue for members, staff, industry, and the Department of Defense to prepare for great power competition and calls for rapidly modernizing our hypersonic capabilities.”