Resources follow Sinema’s work prioritizing hypersonic research and development in Congress’s annual defense bills
WASHINGTON – Following her work championing hypersonic technology research and development, Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema applauded a recent $40 million investment in Arizona-based research and development of hypersonic technologies, helping boost Arizona’s economy by fueling its aerospace and defense industry.
“Investing in hypersonic technologies strengthens our national security while expanding economic opportunities for Arizona. I look forward to continuing to support research and development in hypersonics and other emerging technologies to boost Arizona jobs and keep our country safe and secure,” said Sinema.
“We look forward to continuing our development of the Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) supporting MDA’s critical mission to protect against hypersonic threats,” said Rich Straka, vice president, launch vehicles, Northrop Grumman. “GPI, along with the Next Generation Interceptor program Northrop Grumman won earlier this year are big wins for Arizona’s aerospace and defense industry.”
“Arizona is home to some of the world’s most knowledgeable experts on the complex challenges of missile defense and hypersonics,” said Wes Kremer, president of Raytheon Missiles & Defense. “The Glide Phase Interceptor program builds on decades of experience, over forty successful intercepts, and a dedicated Space Factory in Tucson to apply the lessons learned to defend our nation from the new threat posed by hypersonic missiles.”
Hypersonic technologies are among the top research and development priorities of the Department of Defense. The Missile Defense Agency announced $18.9 million for hypersonic research and development for Northup Grumman Systems Corporation in Chandler, Arizona and another $20.9 million for hypersonic research and development for Raytheon Missiles and Defense in Tucson, Arizona.
The funding follows Sinema’s work championing the need to increase investment in hypersonic technologies. Sinema worked to include support for hypersonic technologies in the 2020 and 2021 annual defense bill.