President Donald Trump, in a Fox News interview on Thursday, reiterated his assertion that Russia had stolen U.S. hypersonic missile designs during the Obama administration.
Trump alleged that an unidentified individual provided the plans to Moscow and vowed that the U.S. would soon outpace Russia in hypersonic weapons development.
“Russia stole the design, they got it from us,” Trump said. “Some bad person gave them the design,” he continued, without specifying details or evidence. The president assured viewers that the U.S. would soon develop “super-hypersonic missiles” that are “which is even a step better.”
This isn’t the first time Trump has made such claims. As a candidate and former president, he repeatedly suggested that Russia had appropriated U.S. hypersonic technology. In 2023, he told supporters that Russia had stolen plans for what he called “super-duper missiles.”
The Kremlin has denied these allegations. In response to past claims, Russian officials stated, “We have our own missile, a great missile,” dismissing accusations of technological theft.
Accusations of Russian theft of U.S. military technology are longstanding. Former National Security Advisor John Bolton has also alleged that Russia stole critical technologies, including those related to hypersonic weapons.
Hypersonic missiles, capable of traveling at speeds greater than Mach 5, are at the forefront of modern military competition. Russia’s Avangard and Tsirkon systems are already operational, while the U.S. continues to invest heavily in hypersonic programs to maintain a competitive edge.
President Trump’s remarks come as he prepares for a potential meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. On January 23, Trump confirmed plans to meet with Putin, stating that his goal would be to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine.
This intended diplomatic engagement has sparked debate, with critics questioning whether Trump’s approach will yield tangible results. His previous praise for Putin and controversial statements about U.S.-Russia relations have drawn scrutiny.