[ad_1]
U.S. Republican Senator Michael McCaul said in Sydney on Friday that joint production of hypersonic missiles by Australia and the United States could reduce pressure on the U.S. defense industrial base and enhance deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region, Reuters Report.
The chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee said in an interview that Australia’s manufacturing of cutting-edge weapons provides an example of how simplified licensing procedures for sensitive U.S. defense technology and license exemptions for 70% of U.S. defense exports to Australia from September 1 will help the United States compete with China in developing advanced weapons.
Hypersonic missiles, which travel at more than five times the speed of sound in the upper atmosphere, were tested by China in 2021, sparking a technology race with the United States. Russia recently used such missiles in its war in Ukraine, sparking concerns among NATO members.
“China’s hypersonic weapons could hit Australia in minutes, and Australia is currently unable to stop them. So we need to catch up,” McCall said.
He added: “I just went to a hypersonics company yesterday and we’re looking to do joint production.”
He added: “It’s exciting that this project has already begun and it will help relieve pressure on the defence industrial base.”
Australia is testing a hypersonic attack cruise missile (HACM) with the United States, which Australia sees as the first such weapon for use on fighter jets, the two countries’ defense and foreign ministers said after talks last week.
McCall said his visit would focus on AUKUS’s work with the United States and the United Kingdom to transfer nuclear-powered submarines to Australia, as well as the development of other advanced defence technologies.
[ad_2]
Source link
