Use of hypersonic missile, if confirmed, not a ‘game-changer’ for stalled Russians, Austin says
By Mike Glenn - The Washington Times - Sunday, March 20, 2022
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin downplayed reports that Russia has deployed hypersonic missiles in its campaign against Ukraine, telling CBS News he doesn’t see such a move as a “game-changer” for the stalled invasion.
The BBC reported that Moscow on Saturday launched a Kinzhal (Dagger) missile at an underground arms depot in western Ukraine. If the shooting is confirmed, it would amount to the first use of a hypersonic missile — capable of flying at five times the speed of sound — during a combat mission.
On Sunday’s “Face the Nation,” Mr. Austin said if the hypersonic missile story turns out to be true, it’s an indication that Russian President Vladimir Putin is “trying to reestablish some momentum. Is he running low on precision-guided munitions? Does he lack complete confidence in the ability of his troops to reestablish momentum?”
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2022/mar/20/use-hypersonic-missile-if-confirmed-not-game-chang/
