Russia says its new hypersonic weapon is a technological breakthrough on the scale of Sputnik the first satellite launched by the Soviet Union in 1957. The Avangard is launched on top of an intercontinental ballistic missile. But unlike a regular missile warhead it can sverve sharply, making it much harder to intercept.
That's worrying the U.S. that's also having to contend with China's development of hypersonic arms.
Beijing displayed the Dong Feng 17 at a military parade in October.
The U.S. defence secretary has said developing the technology is a priority.
So will the Avangard, which Russia says can fly at 27 times the speed of sound, change the balance of power?

Presenter: Dareen Abughaida

Guests:

Pavel Felgenhauer Defence and Military Analyst

Tariq Rauf Nuclear Arms Control Specialist

Paul Schulte Former Director of Proliferation and Arms Control at the British Ministry of Defence

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