United States, China, Russia, and India invest in hypersonic and ballistic missile technologies

Exam-focused facts from the 16 May 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

Ballistic missiles follow a predetermined trajectory and are primarily controlled by gravity after reaching high altitudes.
Hypersonic missiles travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5 and possess the capability to manoeuvre during flight.
Ballistic missiles are typically launched from land or sea platforms and travel in a high arc.
Hypersonic missiles fly at lower altitudes compared to ballistic missiles, increasing their ability to evade detection.
The United States, China, Russia, and India are heavily investing in hypersonic missile technology to enhance military capabilities and strategic positioning.