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US soldiers with the new weapon
Photo: Giancarlo Casem / US Air Force / REUTERS
It is intended to enable the armed forces to hold their own positions in contested areas from afar: the USA have tested a new hypersonic weapon that is said to fly at five times the speed of sound and enable precise attacks.
The test of the AGM-183A Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) airborne weapon took place off the American coast in southern California, the US Air Force announced on Monday.
"We are doing everything we can to get this groundbreaking weapon ready for combat use as soon as possible," the statement said.
The new weapon is also said to expand precision strike capabilities.
A Boeing B-52H long-range bomber launched the hypersonic weapon last Saturday and then deployed it.
The Air Force spoke of a test that "made history."
According to its own statements, Russia has already used the Kinzhal hypersonic missile several times in the course of its war of aggression against Ukraine.
The eight meter long rockets can fly extremely fast and high.
They are therefore very difficult to intercept.
as/dpa