Hypersonic Defense Against Hypersonic Attacks

Hypersonic attacks could easily surpass current systems of anti-missile defense. But the new GPI hypersonic defense system could bring back balance

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The American Missile Defense Agency (MDA) chose companies Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman to compete in developing a new hypersonic defense system Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI). Apart from using hypersonic technologies, this system is interesting because it should destroy the enemy’s hypersonic weapon in the gliding phase. Currently, the companies split about 20 million dollars each and in return, MDA expects to see prototype concepts by September 2022.

The GPI system should destroy the attacking hypersonic missiles when they glide down at heights of about 70 kilometers above ground at speeds of Mach 5 and higher. An important part of the whole project is compatibility with existing technologies as the GPI missiles should be fired from cruisers with the Aegis system.

It is not an easy task to fight against hypersonic weapons. Thus, Americans have decided to utilize AI, machine learning, and advanced computational systems. The biggest problem lies in the fact that current anti-missile defenses are set to handle ballistic missiles. These come in a ballistic curve and a substantial part of the flight takes in space. On the other hand, hypersonic missiles should take very little time in space. If any. And their path is practically unpredictable thanks to their speed and maneuverability.

The radars of ships with the Aegis system and with the Sea-Based X-band Radar are capable of tracking down hypersonic missiles. But they have to watch the correct area at the correct time as hypersonic attacks happen very quickly. That is why MDA is cooperating with the Space Development Agency to develop the Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) satellites. These are meant for low orbits between 100 to 2000 kilometers and should strengthen the current satellite early warning system.

Current anti-missile systems are either meant to do their job in space – such as the SM-3 rockets that are part of the Aegis system – or are terrestrial with too short of a range to effectively do their job against hypersonic attacks. Thus, the GPI system should cover this dangerous missing part of defense in the American system of anti-missile defense.

Sources:

• https://breakingdefense.com/2021/11/raytheon-northrop-lockheed-to-compete-for-hypersonic-interceptor/

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