Canada and Australia to jointly develop missile defense systems
24 November, 2024 Graphical model of the future Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) hypersonic missile interceptor. Image: Northrop Grumman Canada and Australia will jointly develop missile defense technologies to counter hypersonic missiles.
Breaking Defense reported on this. Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair signed the new agreement at the beginning of the annual Halifax International Security Forum, Canada's premier defense event. "I'm very pleased to announce that Canada and Australia have signed an agreement to work together to research emerging missile threats.
We're going to focus on countering hypersonic weapon systems, and under this new agreement... [we will be] very closely tied in all of our efforts collectively together." Blair reported at the opening of the security forum. As part of the agreement, the countries plan to spend up to USD 474 million over the next five years. The specific developments that will be addressed in the course of this program were not named, but it was noted that they will focus on detection, monitoring, targeting, and interception technologies.
Australia and hypersonic technologies
In recent years, the Australian government has been making significant efforts to build up the capabilities of its armed forces, in particular by investing in hypersonic technologies.
For example, the Australian Department of Defense plans to arm its fleet of F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jets with HACM hypersonic missiles. At the same time, Australia actively cooperates with partners and allied countries to develop complex and expensive technologies. In November 2024, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia signed an agreement to conduct joint hypersonic weapons tests as part of the AUKUS security alliance.
Leaders of the AUKUS countries. Source: independent.co.uk
The document, called HyFliTE, envisages the implementation of up to six test programs by 2028. The agreement aims to strengthen the integrated deterrence strategy, a key element of the AUKUS partnership.
Australia's vast and virtually uninhabited territories are well suited as a test site for long-range weapons. The ability to conduct full-scale testing helps accelerate the development of key technologies in this area. The agreement also provides for cooperation in developing basic technologies, such as high-temperature materials, hypersonic engines, and control and guidance systems.
Each of these technologies is critical for hypersonic weapons and ensures their operational capabilities.
The Canadian government is also considering joining the trilateral AUKUS pact.