Keywords:
Hypersonic missiles, weapons, innovation, military technology, warfare, air force.
This paper assesses hypersonic missiles in an historical perspective, focusing on two questions: do they represent a revolution in military affairs? And does their introduction threaten the relevance of air power? Historical patterns show that few innovations fully replace prior technologies; instead, they reshape and diversify force structures. Cavalry and infantry adapted to gunpowder, navies incorporated aircraft, and missiles complemented aviation. Hypersonics are therefore unlikely to eliminate existing domains but will alter their interaction.
