Although Beijing already has fielded a hypersonic glide vehicle, the DF-17, the United States is just scaling up its research funding and prototyping. 'Valley of Death'The United States was once capable of quickly fielding cutting-edge military equipment. ADADBut the pace of military innovation slowed in the 1960s with the advent of a centralized procurement system that prioritized performance and predictability over speed. ADADIn addition, navigating the labyrinthine military procurement system requires specialized knowledge and resources — which many smaller firms don’t have. Despite Beijing’s economic heft, the United States retains strategic advantages, including defense alliances and favorable geography.

Source: Washington Post April 01, 2021 10:01 UTC