In November 2021, IFSH researcher Marina Favaro was interviewed by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)'s radio programme 'The Inquiry'. The overarching question of the programme was: What are hypersonic missiles and why do they matter? Marina's segment (Part Three) focuses on why states - in particular, the US, Russia, and China - have invested in hypersonic weapon system research and development. She highlights the importance of mutual vulnerability in China's acquisition decision and in nuclear deterrence more broadly. Marina also discusses the uncertainty around the missions for which hypersonic weapons might be used, which means there is no yardstick for judging their effectiveness over existing propulsion systems.
You can listen to the interview here.