Accessibility links

Breaking News

Russian Physicist Working On Hypersonic Aircraft Arrested For High Treason


Physicist Anatoly Gubanov
Physicist Anatoly Gubanov

A Russian court has ordered the arrest of a physicist specializing in hypersonic aircraft on suspicion of high treason.

Anatoly Gubanov took part in international conferences and projects involving hydrogen-powered hypersonic aircraft, the Interfax news agency reported on December 3, citing unnamed sources.

"According to the investigation, Gubanov handed over secret aviation development data abroad," the TASS news agency reported, citing another source.

The closed-door court ordered Gubanov to be held in detention until February.

The scientist is said to be a lecturer at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.

Russia views hypersonic aircraft and missiles as providing a strategically important military advantage.

In October, the Russian military said it had successfully test-launched a Tsirkon hypersonic cruise missile that flew more than eight times the speed of sound, in what President Vladimir Putin hailed as a “big event” for the country.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Russian Service, dpa, TASS, and Interfax
  • 16x9 Image

    RFE/RL

    RFE/RL journalists report the news in 27 languages in 23 countries where a free press is banned by the government or not fully established. We provide what many people cannot get locally: uncensored news, responsible discussion, and open debate.

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG