What’s next for hypersonics?

Hypersonic missiles, which are systems that fly through the atmosphere at more than five times the speed of sound, are becoming very valuable on the modern battlefield for their speed, maneuverability, and ability to evade defenses. Thomas G. Mahnken, professor of practice and co-director of the Master of Arts in Strategy, Cybersecurity, and Intelligence at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, explains what policymakers should keep in mind as the nation accelerates and prioritizes the development of this technology.