U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) on Monday announced the launch of the House Hypersonics Caucus in an effort to promote the incorporation of hypersonic weaponry into the nation’s military arsenal.
According to his congressional office, Brooks will co-lead the caucus along with U.S. Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN).
North Alabama’s defense industry of late has served in an expanded role in strengthening the nation’s hypersonics defense capabilities. The necessity of the United States to possess such weaponry is evidenced by America’s foreign adversaries’ increased investments in the technology.
In announcing the formation of the caucus, Brooks outlined the threat offensive hypersonics weaponry posed to the homeland.
“Russia and China have spent the past two decades building up their military forces,” advised Brooks. “They have thickened their air defenses, invested in anti-ship missiles, anti-satellite capabilities, and invested heavily in systems designed to keep our forces at bay. And yes, they have invested in offensive hypersonic weapon systems.”
He added, “America must now rapidly move forward with the design and fielding of hypersonic weapon systems. Hypersonic weapons are our best opportunity to evade complex air defense systems and take down enemy systems that can hold hostage our ability to collect and distribute information, project force, and maneuver in theatre. To be successful in any conflict against a peer adversary, we must be able to field hypersonic weapons.”
The North Alabama congressman expressed his desire to see that the caucus plays an instrumental role in bringing further attention to the issue.
Brooks concluded, “The purpose of the Hypersonics Caucus will be to provide a platform for Members of Congress and their staff to gain insight into existing Department of Defense hypersonics efforts and support the modernization of the laboratories and facilities associated with the research and testing of hypersonics programs. I’m glad to have Congressman Jim Banks as a caucus co-lead and a dedicated group of members who support hypersonics with me as we work to promote hypersonics weapons in Congress.”
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
