I am no expert but am of the opinon that while the US largely abandoned research into hypersonic, favoring wasting many billions on the over-burdened F35 program, Russia developed their hypersonic program by modifying existing tech to deliver medium-range payloads at fantastic speed, making such missiles virtually unstoppable.
One of the problems with “blank check budgets” is the inevitable outcome of waste and fraud. The focus shifts from inventiveness and necessity to just wallowing around in unlimited funds. “Overbudget and behind schedule? No problem. Here’s another hundred $billion, but remember your friends.”
Your opinion is VERY close to real world fact, expert or not.
Aren’t we in the process of fielding hypersonic weapons in the army after they were delayed for a year, I think the navy is also getting it?