Cairo: Hani Kamal El-Din
In a controversial statement, US President Donald Trump accused Russia of stealing American plans to develop hypersonic missiles. During an interview with Fox News, Trump claimed that “a bad person” leaked the project to Russia during the Obama administration. These accusations come amid an escalating arms race between the two superpowers, as Washington strives to catch up with Russia’s advanced military technology.
Trump’s Allegations: Russia Stole the Plans
Trump stated during the interview, “Russia stole the plans; they got it from us.” He suggested that the leak occurred under the Obama administration, pointing fingers at “a bad person” responsible for the breach. However, Trump assured that the United States is developing hypersonic missiles that are “even better” than Russia’s and promised their imminent deployment.
The Hypersonic Arms Race: Who’s Ahead?
These allegations highlight the intensifying competition between the US and Russia in military technology, particularly in the development of hypersonic missiles. These weapons, capable of traveling at speeds five times faster than sound, represent the latest advancement in strategic arms. Russia has previously announced successful developments of hypersonic missiles like the Avangard and Kinzhal, raising concerns in Washington.
Trump’s Previous Claims
This is not the first time Trump has accused Russia of stealing US technology. In 2023, he alleged that Russia had stolen American blueprints to build hypersonic missiles, referring to them as “super-duper missiles.” He also warned that the US needs a robust missile defense system similar to Israel’s Iron Dome to counter growing threats.
US Efforts to Develop Hypersonic Missiles
The United States is currently working on developing hypersonic missiles in an attempt to match Russia’s technological advancements. The Pentagon has announced several research and development projects in this field, but American progress still lags behind Russia. According to military experts, developing these missiles requires significant investment and time, making the race between the two nations even more complex.
Reactions to Trump’s Claims
Russia has not officially responded to Trump’s allegations, but military experts have expressed skepticism about their validity. Some view these statements as part of the ongoing media war between the two countries, while others see them as an attempt by Trump to justify the US’s delay in advancing military technology.
The Future of the Technological Rivalry
As the arms race between the US and Russia continues, the world is witnessing a new chapter in the strategic rivalry between the two superpowers. The development of hypersonic missiles is not just a military issue but also a marker of technological and political superiority. Amid these developments, the question remains: who will win this high-stakes race?
Trump’s accusations against Russia for stealing hypersonic missile plans reflect the growing tensions between the two nations in military technology. While the US is working hard to develop advanced weapons, Russia remains ahead due to its technological progress. As this race continues, the world stands on the brink of a new era of strategic competition that could shape the future of international relations.
