Australia, the US and the UK agree to develop hypersonic weapons

Australia, United States and United Kingdomthe countries that make up the security alliance AUKUSThey agreed this Wednesday to cooperate in the development of hypersonic weapons and other combat capabilities, during a virtual meeting of the three leaders.

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Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, US President Joe Biden and British President Boris Johnson said in a joint statement that they are “satisfied” with the progress made since the defense pact was created last September.

The creation of the AUKUS, which aims to keep the Indo-Pacific region “free and open”, gave Australia access to develop nuclear submarines, and led to a diplomatic crisis with France by canceling a previous contract for the construction of submarines with Diesel engine.

“AUKUS partners will work together to accelerate the development of advanced hypersonic (weapons) capabilities,” says today’s statement, noting that they will also collaborate on a system to intercept these weapons.

The leaders also agreed to cooperate on “electronic warfare, as well as to expand the exchange of information and deepen cooperation in defense innovation.”

The AUKUS statement comes after the Pentagon revealed on Tuesday that it tested a hypersonic missile in early March, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

In the statement published this Wednesday, the leaders did not specify where these hypersonic weapons will be located or a date for their deployment.

Source: Elcomercio

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