Russian official: Russia is developing hypersonic weapons from revolutionary new materials
Russia’s Deputy Minister of Defense, Yuriy Borisov, stated that Russia is developing hypersonic weapons with the use of revolutionary new materials. “Hypersonic weapons, which require the use of revolutionary new materials and control systems that operate in a completely different medium, in plasma, are coming up,” Borisov said.
In addition, the representative of the Ministry noted that the Russian Defense Ministry expects an especially substantive breakthrough in the field of laser and electromagnetic weapons.
“Cooperation between the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Ministry of Defense has specific objectives, particularly in the development of scientific and technological potential. We expect a serious breakthrough in the field of laser technologies, electromagnetic weapons, and so on,” Borisov told journalists in the Russian Academy of Sciences.
The Russian Ministry of Defense is discussing with the Russian Academy of Sciences the development of such weapons, since access to the technology is limited.
“We are concerned, especially in the context of sanctions, that we are blocked from having access to serious knowledge-intensive technologies. That is why, we are discussing the issues of import substitution and preservation of those competences, which have to exist in Russia, to ensure the security of our country regardless of any prevailing political situation,” Borisov said.
In September 2016, Yuriy Borisov reported that separate samples of laser weapons have already been put into service in Russia. “These are aerial, ground-based and terrestrial laser systems,” the Deputy Minister noted.