Australia might become a testing ground for U.S. hypersonic and other long-range precision weapons under the AUKUS pact, according to a statement from U.S. Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth. While the AUKUS agreement initially focused on supplying Australia with nuclear-powered submarines, the attention is shifting toward developing advanced capabilities, including hypersonic weapons, artificial intelligence, and long-range precision firing. Australia’s vast and relatively unpopulated land is considered suitable for testing these weapons, presenting a unique contribution to the AUKUS partnership. The pact aims to counter China’s influence in the Asia-Pacific region, with ongoing scrutiny and criticism from China, which views it as undermining regional peace.
Australia Could Serve as Testing Ground for U.S. Hypersonic Weapons Under AUKUS Pact, Pentagon Official Says
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