EXPLAINER: What is a hypersonic missile?

Senator Imee Marcos on Wednesday raised concerns over China’s alleged plan to target some military bases in the Philippines using hypersonic missiles.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee chair claimed that hypersonic missiles will target several Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites of the Philippines and the United States. 

However, the senator did not disclose where she got the information.

But how lethal are these missiles?

A hypersonic missile “travels at speeds greater than five times the speed of sound” and has “significant maneuverability while maintaining accurate targeting,” according to the United Kingdom Parliament Office of Science and Technology (UK POST).

A Russian MiG-31 fighter jet equipped with a Kinzhal hypersonic missile flies during the second stage of tactical nuclear drills of the armed forces of Russia and Belarus at an undisclosed location, in this still image from video released June 11, 2024. Russian Defence Ministry via Reuters

Flying at lower altitudes, hypersonic missiles are designed to evade existing ballistic missile defenses as its characteristics make it difficult for air defense systems to counter.

It can be used to target aircraft carriers or transport vehicles, strike distant and well-defended targets, and enhance nuclear deterrents.

Hypersonic missiles are developed and deployed in several countries, including China, North Korea, Russia, and the United States.

UK POST said the United States would spend almost $15 billion between 2015 and 2024 on developing hypersonic technologies.

According to Reuters, in August 2021, China tested hypersonic missiles that could deliver nuclear weapons.

GMA News Online has sought comment from the Chinese Embassy in Manila about Senator Marcos' claims but it has yet to provide a statement as of this posting.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said it will get more information from Senator Marcos.

—Mariel Celine Serquiña/ VAL, GMA Integrated News