In response to shifting geopolitics, notably in the Indo-Pacific, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia introduced AUKUS, a three-way defence pact, in September 2021. US President Joe Biden is now preparing to build on the commitments made by AUKUS in a statement coming soon.
According to three people familiar with the matter, Mr. Biden might declare his plans as soon as Tuesday.
Following Beijing’s lead in creating hypersonic weapons, the Pentagon has accelerated its development of hypersonic weapons.
Hypersonic missiles can fly at over five times the speed of sound.
China is known to have conducted tests that run into the hundreds.
Hypersonic missiles are more difficult to intercept than ballistic missiles because they may change course at high speeds.
When fired, ballistic missiles usually follow a more fixed trajectory.
Beijing has tested a military system capable of launching hypersonic missiles over the South Pole.
However, US defence systems have focused their efforts on missiles approaching from the North Pole.
Admiral John Aquilino, commander of the Indo-Pacific Command, said that the US was strengthening its cooperation with Australia in part because of China’s hypersonic achievements.
“The capacity to recognise, monitor, and fight against those hypersonics is really the key,” he told the Financial Times.
He was speaking as the US kicked off talks with Australian security services at a top-secret facility run by the CIA and Australian intelligence services.
Admiral John Aquilino, commander of the Indo-Pacific Command, said that the US was strengthening its cooperation with Australia in part because of China’s hypersonic achievements.
“The capacity to recognise, monitor, and fight against those hypersonics is really the key,” he told the Financial Times.
He was speaking as the United States began discussions with Australian security agencies at a top-secret site managed by the CIA and Australian intelligence services.
