Australia, UK, US alliance to develop hypersonic missiles
A US Air Force file photo shows a X-51A WaveRider hypersonic flight test. AFP
Gulf Today Report
The United States, United Kingdom and Australia announced on Tuesday they will work together via the recently created security alliance known as AUKUS to develop hypersonic missiles.
Australia's involvement in the development of hypersonic missiles with treaty partners the United States and Britain was part of an effort to achieve peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday.
READ MORE
NATO moves to rearm Kyiv; fears of more atrocities
US allies to ban new investments in Russia
Morrison, who is set to call an election for next month, told reporters in Sydney that hypersonic missiles, like cyber capabilities, were a key modern combat technology and Australia wanted to significantly upgrade its capabilities.
The move comes amid growing concern by the US and allies about China’s growing military assertiveness in the Pacific. US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Australian PM Morrison announced the plan after holding a check-in on the progress of AUKUS, the Indo-Pacific alliance that was launched by the three countries in September.
The leaders said in a joint statement they are "committed today to commence new trilateral cooperation on hypersonics and counter-hypersonics, and electronic warfare capabilities, as well as to expand information sharing and to deepen cooperation on defense innovation.”
The US, Russia and China have all looked to further develop hypersonic missiles — a system so fast that it cannot be intercepted by any current missile defence system.
