http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/01/top-stories-hypersonic-weapons-acid-waters-and-interstellar-comets > ‘National pride is at stake.’ Russia, China, United States race to build hypersonic weapons > The U.S. military—and its adversaries—has long coveted hypersonic missiles, which travel at roughly five times the speed of sound. But until recently, the technical challenges of creating them have proved “a bridge too far.” Now, with advances in maneuverability, materials, and engine design, the United States, China, Russia, and other countries are pouring money into a new arms race.