The US is also funding these types of future weapons. Haven't you read about the hypersonic cruise missiles slated for 2010?
Yes...the U.S. is still ahead [I think] in technology.
Russia and China have shown they can mimic rather quickly if they want too...its just a motivation reality.
China is getting a Maglev rail system...link here:
China Awaits High-Speed 'Maglev'
Maglev conjoined with other propulsion systems could put vehicles up for sub orbital insertion and orbital.
Computer process speeds are now capable of handling the tasking for this.
I think its going to get really competitive soon...**up there...Sputnik days are just around the corner.
Russia and China have shown they can Mimic systems and platforms rather quickly when they want to.
Both have aircraft they simply are sitting on...,no one can afford to buy them.
Wether they steal/copy and mimic..or take a technology and make it better....the fact is..they will being going for sub orbit and orbit with their military projection.
The race could be on allready.