On Friday, in Sydney, US Republican lawmaker Michael McCaul highlighted an important development in defense technology. He spoke about a new initiative where Australia and the United States will jointly produce hypersonic missiles. This cooperation aims to ease the burden on the US defense industry and strengthen deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Michael McCaul, who chairs the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, shared that Australia’s involvement in making these advanced weapons is a key move. He explained that streamlined licensing of sensitive US defense technology, along with exemptions on 70% of defense exports to Australia starting September 1, will help the US keep pace with China in developing cutting-edge weapons.
Hypersonic missiles, which travel at speeds over five times the speed of sound in the upper atmosphere, were first tested by China in 2021. This spurred a global race to develop such technology. The recent use of these missiles by Russia in the Ukraine war has raised concerns among NATO members.
McCaul emphasized the urgency of this initiative by pointing out that a Chinese hypersonic weapon could reach Australia in just minutes, and currently, Australia does not have the means to defend against such a threat. “We need to catch up,” McCaul said. He mentioned a recent visit to a hypersonic company and expressed enthusiasm about moving towards co-production of these advanced weapons.
Australia is currently testing a Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM) with the US, which could become its first hypersonic weapon for fighter jets. The defense and foreign ministers of both countries announced this development after their recent talks. McCaul also discussed the AUKUS partnership, which includes the US and Britain, focusing on transferring nuclear-powered submarines to Australia and developing other advanced defense technologies.
AUKUS Alliance and Regional Impact
McCaul described the AUKUS alliance as an example of a US ally investing more in its own defense. He suggested that if Donald Trump is re-elected, there will likely be continued support for this defense posture and the sale of US nuclear submarines to Australia in the next decade. The AUKUS alliance, which began under Trump’s presidency, aims to rotate US nuclear submarines through Australia, serving as a deterrent in the Indo-Pacific region.
During McCaul’s visit to the Philippines, he noted that the rotation of nuclear submarines and advanced technologies under AUKUS could be a significant deterrent, especially given the pressure China is putting on the Philippines in the South China Sea. In response, China’s foreign ministry criticized AUKUS, saying it undermines efforts to maintain regional peace and security and intensifies the arms race.
The joint production of hypersonic missiles by Australia and the US marks a significant step in bolstering defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. As global tensions rise and technology races accelerate, this collaboration aims to enhance deterrence and maintain a balance of power in the region.
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