Hypersonic missile

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Part of: Prelims and GS II – International Relations and GS III – Sci and tech

Context North Korea has successfully tested a new hypersonic glide missile.

What is a hypersonic missile?

Hypersonics are defined as being able to travel at velocities of at least five times the speed of sound — Mach 5, or more than 6,100 kilometres (3,800 miles) per hour.
They can also manoeuvre in mid-flight, making them much harder to track and intercept than traditional projectiles.
By cutting flight times, they also reduce the opportunity to respond.
Depending on the design, they can be capable of carrying nuclear warheads or conventional only, and have the potential to alter the strategic balance.

Which countries possess them?

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