Topic: Hypersonic

The discussion shifts to China's $400 billion investment in Iran and the potential use of Iran as a testing ground for Chinese "carrier killer" missiles. Reports suggest that supersonic or hypersonic weaponry may have targeted U.S. naval assets. The economic impact of drone warfare is highlighted, noting the high cost of anti-missile interceptors compared to inexpensive Iranian-backed drones.

President Trump announced the creation of the "Golden Fleet," a series of massive 880-foot naval ships equipped with hypersonic weapons and rail guns. Critics, including Senator Mark Warner and retired Admiral Michael Smith, question the $10 billion per ship price tag and the shift away from smaller, faster vessels. Trump also criticized defense contractors for prioritizing executive pay and stock buybacks over rapid production facilities.

Russia’s deployment of the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile in Dnipro is analyzed. The missile features Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicles (MIRVs), allowing it to release several warheads at different speeds and directions. While some U.S. officials call it "experimental," the deployment is viewed as a significant message to the West regarding Russia's ability to bypass advanced air defenses.

Military analysts and Pete Hegseth have highlighted that the U.S. consistently loses simulated war games against China. The concern centers on China's development of hypersonic missiles capable of neutralizing U.S. aircraft carriers within minutes of a conflict. The incoming administration is expected to pivot military procurement toward countering China's "full spectrum" global domination strategy.

Russia warns that the deployment of US long-range Tomahawk and hypersonic missiles in Germany by 2026 will make European capitals military targets. German citizens have reportedly begun protesting the move, with musicians releasing a "We Are The World" style song titled "We're Not Going to Give You Our Sons."

Reports from CNA highlight China and Russia's lead in hypersonic missile technology, including the DF-17 and Zircon missiles. The hosts note that the head of the U.S. next-generation ICBM project was recently fired due to massive budget overruns and delays, leaving the U.S. lagging in the global military power balance.

Military officials expressed concern over a Chinese hypersonic missile capable of orbiting the globe and evading defense systems. The discussion links these threats to the $886 billion defense budget and the development of laser-based defenses and robotic arms designed to protect American communication satellites.

A PBS report claimed that Patriot missiles cost $4 million per shot to intercept ballistic and hypersonic targets. The hosts express shock at this price point, questioning if the figure has been adjusted for inflation or if it represents a windfall for the military-industrial complex. The effectiveness of the Patriot system is also called into question.

Analyst Scott Ritter discusses Iran's development of hypersonic missiles as a deterrent against U.S. and Israeli aggression. Ritter suggests that the classified documents Trump allegedly retained included war plans for Iran drawn up by General Mark Milley, which Trump reportedly resisted executing during his presidency.

The show concludes with a clip of Vice President Kamala Harris mistakenly referring to a U.S. alliance with "the Republic of North Korea." This is followed by a musical montage featuring Reverend Manning's commentary on Obama and Larry Sinclair, alongside news clips regarding the Kakhovka dam and Canadian wildfire smoke.

Iran unveiled its first domestically produced hypersonic ballistic missile, claiming it can fly five times the speed of sound and evade U.S. and Israeli defense systems. In response, the United States imposed sanctions on entities in China, Hong Kong, and Iran accused of aiding the missile's development.

The Financial Times reports that China tested a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile that circled the globe before landing 25 miles from its target. The hosts characterize the report as a "sales job" by the defense industry to secure more funding, noting that China claims the launch was a routine reusable spacecraft test.

The show concludes with a montage of news reports on North Korean and Chinese missile tests. The hosts sign off, reminding listeners of the 14th-anniversary show on Sunday and promoting the addition of RFK Jr.'s "The Defender" podcast to the No Agenda stream.

Ukraine claimed to have used a U.S.-supplied Patriot missile system to shoot down a Russian Kinzhal hypersonic missile over Kiev. The hosts express skepticism about this report, questioning whether the Patriot system—often criticized for its performance—could actually intercept a weapon traveling at ten times the speed of sound. They suggest the story might be a marketing effort by the military-industrial complex to sell more units.

Leaked documents reportedly reveal that China has tested a new hypersonic glide vehicle capable of maneuvering around US missile defenses. This technology potentially renders US aircraft carriers obsolete as far as Guam. Glenn Beck is criticized for using this intelligence to lobby for increased military spending on defensive systems.

The BBC identified eight key takeaways from the leaked Pentagon documents, including claims that the UN Secretary-General was too accommodating to Russia and that Western special forces are operating inside Ukraine. Other files suggest Egypt secretly planned to supply rockets to Russia and that China conducted experimental tests with a hypersonic glide vehicle. These revelations provide a broader look at global tensions and US surveillance of both allies and adversaries.

The Department of Defense has integrated the climate crisis into its strategic planning, ranking it as a top priority alongside military modernization and AI development. Officials cite rising sea levels in places like Miami and the Thames as security implications that require new logistical platforms. Critics argue that the focus on "green" initiatives and diversity distracts from the military's primary mission of combat readiness and recruitment.

The Pentagon is transitioning high-altitude balloon projects to military services to bolster the US surveillance network. These inflatables, operating between 60,000 and 90,000 feet, are intended to track hypersonic weapons and provide long-endurance stationing. Funding for these projects is set to increase to $27.1 million in fiscal year 2023.

Russian forces utilized long-range cruise missiles fired from the Black Sea to destroy a MiG-29 aircraft repair plant and a NATO training facility near Lviv. While Western media reports on the use of hypersonic missiles, the hosts express skepticism regarding the availability of such technology in active production compared to standard Russian cruise missile variety.

President Trump announced the development of a "super duper missile" that is 17 times faster than current technology. The segment notes that Trump used the number "17" five times during the announcement, leading to speculation among QAnon followers who associate the number 17 with the letter "Q."