Trump claims Russia stole US hypersonic missile designs

In a Fox News interview on Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump once again claimed that Russia stole U.S. hypersonic missile designs during the Obama administration.

He alleged that an unnamed individual provided the plans for Moscow and stated that the U.S. would soon surpass Russia in hypersonic missile technology.

Why it matters

Trump’s comments raise concerns about Russia’s access to U.S. military technology, particularly in the area of hypersonic weapons. These weapons, which can travel at speeds greater than Mach 5, are at the forefront of modern military competition.

Both the U.S. and Russia are heavily invested in this field. Trump’s remarks also coincide with his plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, a diplomatic engagement that could have significant implications for U.S.-Russia relations.

Details

• Trump repeated his previous claims, suggesting that a “bad actor” had leaked U.S. hypersonic missile designs to Russia.
• Russia’s Avangard and Tsirkon hypersonic systems are already in operation, while the U.S. continues to make significant investments in hypersonic missile programs.
• Russian officials have consistently denied allegations of technology theft, stating that they have developed their own advanced missile systems.
• This is not the first time Trump has raised such accusations. In 2023, he suggested that Russia had stolen U.S. missile technology, referring to it as “super-duper missiles.”
• Trump is preparing for a potential meeting with Putin, with plans to discuss an end to the war in Ukraine. His diplomatic approach has drawn mixed reactions, given his previous praise for Putin and controversial remarks about U.S.-Russia relations.