Australia-U.S. Hypersonic Missile Co-production to Strengthen Indo-Pacific Deterrence

The joint production of hypersonic missiles by Australia and the United States aims to ease the U.S. defence industrial base's strain and enhance deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul emphasized the importance of streamlined licensing for advanced defence technologies to counter China.

The joint production of hypersonic missiles by Australia and the United States could significantly lessen the strain on the U.S. defense industrial base and bolster regional deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, according to U.S. Republican lawmaker Michael McCaul. Speaking in Sydney on Friday, McCaul underscored the strategic importance of this cooperation.

McCaul, who chairs the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, highlighted the significance of Australia's role in manufacturing these advanced weapons. He pointed out that streamlined licensing of sensitive U.S. defense technology and license exemptions on 70% of defense exports to Australia will aid the U.S. in competing with China. Hypersonic missiles, traveling more than five times faster than sound, have been a focus of U.S.-China technological rivalry, especially after China's tests in 2021 and Russia's use in Ukraine.

In addition to missile co-production, McCaul discussed the AUKUS partnership involving the U.S., Britain, and Australia, aimed at transferring nuclear-powered submarines to Australia and developing other advanced defense technologies. He assured continued bipartisan support for the AUKUS alliance, emphasizing its role as a key deterrent in the region, particularly amid rising tensions with China.