SYDNEY: US Republican lawmaker Michael McCaul discussed the potential benefits of joint hypersonic missile production between Australia and the United States during a visit to Sydney on Friday.
McCaul, who chairs the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, highlighted that such cooperation could ease the burden on the US defense industrial base and enhance deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region.
In an interview, McCaul noted that Australian involvement in manufacturing these advanced weapons demonstrates the advantages of streamlined licensing of sensitive US defense technology. He pointed out that the upcoming license exemptions for 70 percent of defense exports to Australia, effective September 1, would help the US compete with China in the development of cutting-edge weapons.
Hypersonic missiles, which travel at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound in the upper atmosphere, were first tested by China in 2021, igniting a technology race with the United States. Their use by Russia in the Ukraine conflict has raised concerns within NATO.
McCaul stressed the urgency of advancing hypersonic technology, stating, “A Chinese hypersonic weapon could strike Australia in minutes, and Australia currently lacks the capability to counter that. We need to accelerate our efforts.” He expressed enthusiasm about the progress in co-production of these missiles, which he believes will help alleviate pressures on the defense industrial base.
Australia is currently testing a Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM) in collaboration with the United States, with plans to integrate it into its fighter jet arsenal. This development was confirmed by the defense and foreign ministers of both countries following recent talks.
McCaul’s visit also centered on the Aukus partnership with the United States and Britain, which aims to transfer nuclear-powered submarines to Australia and advance other defense technologies. He noted that Aukus is a significant example of US allies investing more in their own defense capabilities.
Regarding future US support, McCaul expressed confidence that a re-elected Donald Trump would continue to back the growing US defense presence in Australia and the sale of nuclear submarines in the coming decade. He mentioned that Aukus discussions began during Trump’s presidency and anticipated strong ongoing support.
In discussing the Aukus alliance’s strategic impact, McCaul remarked that rotations of US nuclear submarines through Australia serve as a deterrent in the region, particularly amid China’s increasing pressure on the Philippines in the South China Sea. He suggested that Chinese President Xi Jinping perceives the alliance as a significant threat due to its implications for regional security and advanced technologies.
In response, the Chinese foreign ministry criticized Aukus this week, claiming it undermines efforts to maintain peace and security in the region and exacerbates the arms race.
