Pentagon Admits US Has No Defence Against Hypersonic Missiles

The United States has acknowledged that it currently lacks adequate defenses against some of the most advanced missile threats developed by rival nations, according to a senior Pentagon official, amid escalating tensions linked to the ongoing Iran conflict and broader global security concerns.

The admission was made during a U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, where a senior defense official warned that America’s homeland missile defense architecture is not designed to counter next-generation threats such as hypersonic weapons and advanced cruise missiles. The statement comes at a time when Washington is increasingly reassessing its military preparedness in light of sustained combat operations involving Iran and heightened geopolitical competition with countries like China and Russia.

The official described the existing system as a “limited, single-layer” missile defense network primarily built to counter small-scale ballistic threats, such as those potentially launched by North Korea. He noted that while the system can address certain conventional missile attacks, it is not equipped to handle more sophisticated aerial weapons that are now being developed and deployed by adversaries.

Also Read: Mumbai To See 10% Water Cut As BMC Manages Depleting Water Stock Before Monsoon

According to the testimony, the United States has no operational defenses specifically capable of intercepting hypersonic weapons or advanced cruise missiles. This gap, officials warned, exposes a critical vulnerability in protecting the U.S. mainland against future high-speed, low-altitude, or maneuverable missile attacks, which are increasingly being prioritized by rival military powers.

The Pentagon also highlighted ongoing efforts to develop a next-generation missile shield, often referred to as the “Golden Dome” program. The proposed system aims to integrate land, sea, air, and space-based sensors and interceptors, using artificial intelligence to provide a layered defense against a wide range of threats. However, officials indicated that full operational capability is not expected before 2028, leaving a significant interim vulnerability.

Lawmakers expressed concern that rapid missile expenditure in recent conflicts, including operations connected to Iran, may further strain U.S. stockpiles and delay readiness for potential future wars. Defense officials acknowledged that rebuilding inventories and scaling up production capacity could take several years, underscoring what they described as a “capacity gap” in the U.S. defense industrial base.

Also Read: Siddaramaiah Expected To Seek High Command Nod For Karnataka Cabinet Expansion