Russia moves 20 hypersonic missiles to testing site...

via CNBC

Nearly 20 Russian missiles that the U.S. is currently unable to defend against were recently moved to a military testing site, signaling another milestone for the Kremlin's hypersonic weapons program, according to people who have direct knowledge of American intelligence reports.

"This shows they have the ambition to develop these weapons and that they have prioritized this particular program. The Russians have basically determined that they are comfortable with the design and will now focus on fine-tuning the weapon through testing," one person, who spoke to CNBC on the condition of anonymity, said.

The air-to-ground hypersonic missile dubbed "Kinzhal," which means "dagger" in Russian, has been tested at least three times. In July, the Kremlin successfully tested the weapon against a target nearly 500 miles away. What's more, in another U.S. intelligence report, according to a source, the hypersonic missile was mounted and launched 12 times from a Russian MiG-31 fighter jet. Additionally, work is underway to mount the weapon on a strategic bomber.

This system is rushing toward service.

None of us have visibility on what's going on in US classified programs but this is ominous.  The Russians are building carrier killers and the Chinese aren't far behind.

Is it possible that the next naval revolution will see our capital warships held hostage by hypersonic missiles?  are we being pushed out to blue water only ops?

Don't laugh and assume that's no big deal because it's our natural strength. Consider many parts of the world and you'll realize that blue and brown water ops merge in some pretty frustrating ways.

The Persian Gulf?  Off limits.  The Black Sea?  Off limits.

We need lasers and we need them now!