US Injects $400 Million into Hypersonic Weapons Development to Counter Russia and Iran

The United States is intensifying its efforts to develop hypersonic weaponry amid a growing military rivalry with Russia and Iran. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has secured approximately $400 million (Rp6.5 trillion) in new funding from the US Department of Defense for several hypersonic and national security programmes. The company stated the funding supports selected strategic programmes, though specific details remain classified due to national security, industrial competition, and operational security concerns. The investment comes as Washington seeks to bolster its high-speed strike capabilities. Russia has long integrated hypersonic weapons into its military strategy, while Iran has also been advancing its claims of possessing manoeuvrable hypersonic missiles. Kratos is involved in the engineering, development, production, and integration of various hypersonic systems. Dave Carter, President of Kratos’ Defense and Rocket Support Services Division, highlighted the company’s ability to design, engineer, develop, and operate high-speed national security systems, including ballistic missile targets, hypersonic vehicles, and flight test vehicles. He noted that Kratos’s ability to produce these systems affordably and at scale is a key differentiator. The company anticipates additional significant contract awards related to hypersonic technology in the coming months.