A hypersonic weapon's speed alone does not establish that it will penetrate a ship's defences. Intercepting a target crossing rapidly across the engagement area presents a harder timing problem than intercepting one approaching head-on. Naval air-defence systems have considerable experience with the latter geometry. Success still depends on suitable missiles, the available equipment, and luck.
Notable Point · 1:31:15-1:32:36
Why approach geometry matters when intercepting hypersonic weapons
A head-on approach offers a less difficult interception problem than a fast crossing target, although suitable defensive missiles and favourable circumstances remain necessary.