Australia, US Explore Joint Production of Hypersonic Missiles

SYDNEY, Aug 16 (Reuters) - Australia and the United States are moving towards the joint production of hypersonic missiles, a move aimed at reducing pressure on the U.S. defense industrial base and enhancing deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region, according to U.S. Republican lawmaker Michael McCaul.

Strategic Collaboration to Counter China

McCaul, who chairs the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, emphasized that this collaboration is a crucial step in streamlining the licensing of sensitive U.S. defense technology to Australia. From September 1, 70% of U.S. defense exports to Australia will be exempt from licensing requirements, a measure designed to strengthen the U.S.'s competitive edge against China in developing advanced weaponry.

Hypersonic Missile Development and Global Tensions

Hypersonic missiles, capable of traveling over five times the speed of sound, have become a focal point in global defense due to their testing by China in 2021 and their use by Russia in the Ukraine conflict. McCaul highlighted the urgent need for Australia to develop its own hypersonic capabilities, noting that current defenses are insufficient against potential threats from China.

Progress in Co-Production and Defense Industrial Base

During a visit to a hypersonic technology company, McCaul expressed optimism about the progress of co-production efforts between the U.S. and Australia. This initiative, he said, is already underway and will help alleviate stress on the U.S. defense industrial base.

Australia's First Hypersonic Weapon for Fighter Jets

Australia, in collaboration with the United States, is testing a Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM), which may become the country's first such weapon integrated into fighter jets. This development follows recent discussions between U.S. and Australian defense and foreign ministers.

AUKUS Partnership and Future Defense Technologies

McCaul's visit also focused on the AUKUS partnership, an alliance between the United States, Australia, and Britain aimed at transferring nuclear-powered submarines to Australia and developing other advanced defense technologies. He emphasized that the AUKUS alliance, initiated under the Trump administration, has strong bipartisan support in the U.S., and is viewed as a critical deterrent in the Indo-Pacific region.

Deterrence Against China's Regional Influence

McCaul noted that rotations of U.S. nuclear submarines through Australia under AUKUS serve as a significant deterrent, especially in the South China Sea where tensions with China are high. He suggested that Chinese President Xi Jinping views the AUKUS alliance with concern, particularly due to its implications for regional security and technological innovation.

China's Response to AUKUS

In response to these developments, the Chinese foreign ministry has criticized the AUKUS alliance, stating that it undermines efforts to maintain peace and security in the region and exacerbates the ongoing arms race.