Australia diversifies AUKUS into advanced capabilities such as hypersonics
The Dart CMP will almost double the top speed of the Dart AE pictured here, which is due to launch next year. (Hypersonix Launch Systems)
AUKUS is about far more than giving Australia nuclear-powered submarines, with the three countries announcing a wide portfolio of defence collaboration.
AUKUS got off to a spectacular start on 15 September 2021 when Australia revealed it would buy nuclear-powered submarines instead of diesel-electric boats from France’s Naval Group. Still, there is now a bevy of other areas of collaboration underway.
On 5 April, the trilateral AUKUS partners of Australia, the UK and US released a fact sheet outlining diversified areas of military cooperation between the three allies. Chief among them are advanced hypersonic and counter-hypersonic weapon capabilities.
For example, in a related development, on 29 March an Australian consortium was awarded an A$2.95 million ($2.19 million) grant to research reusable hypersonic
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Defence Notes
-
![Irish defence budget increased by just €100 million despite €25 billion surplus]()
Irish defence budget increased by just €100 million despite €25 billion surplus
The budget of more than €1.3 billion is a record figure for the Irish Defence Forces but almost a quarter is to meet to meet the pensions costs of Defence Forces Veterans and their dependents.
-
![Just released: Night Vision & Situational Awareness Technology Report 2024 now available to read]()
Just released: Night Vision & Situational Awareness Technology Report 2024 now available to read
How night vision devices and soldier-worn sensors are underpinning advanced tactical C4ISR capabilities
-
![How temporary funding could affect the US military’s critical acquisition programmes]()
How temporary funding could affect the US military’s critical acquisition programmes
Operating under continuing resolutions would affect Patriot, Virginia-class, Columbia-class and B-21 programmes.
-
![Brazil’s proposed $23.7 billion defence budget targets GDP-linked military funding]()
Brazil’s proposed $23.7 billion defence budget targets GDP-linked military funding
Brazil’s 2025 budget proposals will see a 5.9% increase in defence spending, with funds allocated for key programmes including the procurement of helicopters, armoured vehicles and nuclear-powered submarines, despite looming fiscal challenges.
-
![Russia is evading sanctions and purchasing US components for its arsenal, warns US Senate]()
Russia is evading sanctions and purchasing US components for its arsenal, warns US Senate
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal has claimed that Russian bombs, missiles and drones “supported by American technologies” have been fatally used on Ukrainians soldiers and civilians.
-
![Sweden makes preparations to give Gripens to Ukraine]()
Sweden makes preparations to give Gripens to Ukraine
The 17th package provided by Sweden to Ukraine has seen the Scandinavian country provide SEK48.1 billion (US$4.6 billion) in military support since February 2022, having provided a total of SEK25 billion in 2024.
