US lawmaker Michael McCaul believes that joint production of hypersonic missiles by Australia and the United States will not only strengthen deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region but also reduce strain on the US defense industrial base. This move comes in response to China’s advancements in hypersonic technology, with recent tests raising concerns among NATO members.
The collaboration between Australia and the US also highlights the importance of streamlining the licensing of sensitive defense technology, as well as new exemptions on defense exports to Australia. McCaul emphasized the need for both countries to catch up in the hypersonic arms race to ensure their national security.
Australia’s testing of the Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM) with the US signifies a step towards developing advanced defense capabilities. McCaul’s visit to Australia centered on the AUKUS partnership, which aims to transfer nuclear-powered submarines and boost cooperation in defense technologies.