Representative Molton, the ranking member of the subcommittee, expressed concern over the lack of clarity from the Department of Defense regarding the rationale for developing hypersonic weapons. He questioned the necessity of spending billions of dollars on a weapon system whose intended use remains undefined.

The witnesses expressed optimism about the future of hypersonic programs, despite recent testing challenges. They emphasized their commitment to continuing development and fielding hypersonic capabilities, recognizing the importance of these systems for maintaining the US military edge in the face of growing threats from China and Russia.

The witnesses from the Navy, Army, and Air Force highlighted the importance of a strong industrial base for the production of hypersonic weapons. They noted the need to invest in manufacturing capabilities, workforce development, and supply chain resilience.

Mr. McCormick, the senior intelligence analyst from the National Air and Space Intelligence Center, stated that China and Russia are developing advanced hypersonic weapons that pose a significant threat to US forces and the homeland. China is ahead of Russia in terms of support infrastructure and total inventory.

Dr. Horwitz, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and Missile Defense, highlighted the potential for hypersonic weapons to be used as a strategic deterrent. He also expressed concern about the dual-capable nature of Chinese and Russian hypersonic systems, which could potentially increase the risk of miscalculation and escalation during a crisis.

The witnesses from the Army, Navy, and Air Force discussed recent testing challenges encountered with their respective hypersonic weapon programs. General Rash, Vice Admiral Wolf, and Lieutenant General White emphasized their commitment to overcoming these challenges through increased testing, rigorous design reviews, and close collaboration with industry partners.

Mr. Rumford emphasized the importance of maintaining a robust testing schedule for hypersonic systems. He stated that failing to meet the testing schedule would have a significant impact on other hypersonic programs and slow down the development process.

Dr. Weber, the Principal Director for Hypersonics, highlighted the importance of international collaboration on hypersonic development. He noted ongoing collaborations with the United Kingdom and Australia, and the desire to expand collaboration with other countries, such as Norway and South Korea.

Representative Molton pressed the witnesses on whether the US is developing hypersonic weapons for nuclear capabilities, but the witnesses maintained that the US hypersonic weapons are only for conventional purposes, but they refused to answer definitively to the question of what China or Russia may believe about the capability.

Mr. Rumford, the Director of the Test Resource Management Center, emphasized the importance of ground test infrastructure for developing and evaluating hypersonic weapons. He pointed out that the current ground test facilities are aging and need modernization. He advocated for the construction of a new high-speed test track in order to accelerate testing.

Dr. Weber and Dr. Horwitz highlighted the critical role of university research in supporting the development of advanced technologies like hypersonics. They emphasized the importance of funding university research through the University Consortium for Applied Hypersonics and other initiatives.

Dr. Weber discussed the concept of reusable hypersonic aircraft, which would operate like conventional aircraft but accelerate to hypersonic speeds for responsive strike and ISR missions. He indicated that the Department of Defense is exploring this concept and addressing critical technologies related to materials, structures, and propulsion.

Several witnesses stressed the importance of a whole-of-nation approach to hypersonic development, emphasizing the need for collaboration among government, industry, and academia. Mr. Rumford underscored the necessity of leveraging private sector and academic capabilities to supplement government facilities and accelerate testing and fielding.