EXCLUSIVE: To Counter Putin, Xi Jinping, Expert Says US Needs To Position 'Hypersonic Weaponry' On World Stage

An expert has warned that the U.S. needs to position its "hypersonic weaponry" on the world stage as tensions with Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping mount. 

What Happened: China and Russia have been positioning their hypersonic missiles on the global level. But they remain inferior to the capabilities of NATO and the U.S., Alp Sevimlisoy, an internationally published geopolitical strategist and a fellow at the American think tank Atlantic Council, told Benzinga in an exclusive chat.

"Both the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation have been positioning their hypersonic weaponry on the global stage," said Sevimlisoy, adding, "Though they are inferior to our hypersonic capabilities as per the NATO alliance of nations, primarily via the U.S."

See Also: Putin's Faltering War In Ukraine Has Exposed Russia's Limitations, Says Expert

"It is indicative that the next era of great power competition unfolding in front of us will require significant importance placed on the placement of hypersonic weaponry in order to counter both Russia and China," he added. 

The comments from Sevimlisoy come at a time when many other experts have also warned that Washington's relations with Moscow and Beijing may deteriorate further as Putin's war in Ukraine and China's provocations for Taiwan may escalate in 2023. 

Russia, China and the U.S. have long been in a race to develop hypersonic weapons, which are seen as a way to gain an edge over any adversary because of their speeds — about five times the speed of sound — and maneuverability.

Earlier this week, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu also vowed to expand the country's weaponry, advance aviation technology, and increase drone production. Last week, Putin also sent a frigate to the Atlantic Ocean armed with new-generation hypersonic cruise missiles.

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