Why do countries like Russia and China continue to use cruise missiles despite having more advanced hypersonic weapons? 

 Russia and China continue to employ cruise missiles despite having more modern hypersonic weapons for a variety of reasons

Cost-Effectiveness

Cruise missiles are substantially cheaper to manufacture and maintain than hypersonic weapons. This makes them a viable option for large-scale military operations where a huge number of missiles may be required.

Versatility

Cruise missiles may attack a wide range of targets, including stationary facilities, ships, and moving vehicles. They can be fired from a variety of platforms, including airplanes, ships, submarines, and ground vehicles, making them extremely adaptable to changing mission requirements.

Reliability

Cruise missiles have a lengthy history of successful deployment in a variety of wars, demonstrating their effectiveness and reliability. Their technology is well understood, and they have been extensively tested and refined over time.

Availability

Many countries, particularly Russia and China, already have considerable cruise missile stockpiles. These current arsenals give a ready-to-use option without requiring additional expenditure in development and production.

Strategic Diversity 

Maintaining a diverse arsenal of weapons, including both cruise and hypersonic missiles, allows for more flexible and effective military strategies. Different weapons can be used in different scenarios to exploit specific advantages or overcome particular defenses. For instance, cruise missiles can be used for precision strikes on less defended targets, while hypersonic weapons can be reserved for high-value or heavily defended targets.

Operational Experience 

Military forces have extensive operational experience with cruise missiles, including their integration into command and control systems, logistics, and tactics. This experience ensures that cruise missiles can be deployed effectively and efficiently in a variety of combat situations.

Strategic and Tactical Considerations

In certain cases, cruise missiles' slower speed and smaller profile can be useful. They can fly at low altitudes and follow intricate flight patterns to avoid radar and air defenses, making them appropriate for missions where hypersonic weaponry may not be as effective.

International Regulations and Norms

Hypersonic weapon use is still in its early stages, and international standards and restrictions may evolve. Cruise missiles, on the other hand, have a long history in international military arsenals, and their employment is better recognized in terms of legal and diplomatic consequences.

Overall, while hypersonic weapons provide considerable improvements in speed and penetrating capabilities, cruise missiles remain an important component of a balanced and effective military arsenal due to their low cost, variety, dependability, and existing infrastructure.

written by: Syed Ali Raza Naqvi