Russia imprisons leading rocket scientists over leak paranoia

As Russia inches towards the deployment of hypersonic missiles, it is becoming increasingly paranoid about leaks of secrets from prominent Russian scientists.

“Hypersonic” stands for speeds greater than Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound). Recently developed Russian missiles include ballistic air-launched, nuclear-capable Mach-8 Zircon and Mach-10 Kinzhal (Dagger) designed to target aircraft carriers, as well as the Mach-27 Avangard glide vehicle that separates from an intercontinental ballistic missile and carries a two-megaton nuclear yield. High speed and maneuverability of hypersonic vehicles reduce the effectiveness of countermeasures.