US, UK, and Australia sign agreement on hypersonic weapons

The United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia have signed an agreement to conduct joint hypersonic weapons tests under the AUKUS partnership. The document, called HyFliTE, covers the implementation of up to six test programs by 2028. These tests are aimed at intensifying cooperation between the three countries, which will provide access to the test sites of the partner countries.

The tests are also intended to help accelerate the development of key technologies in this area. The joint efforts accelerate the development of basic technologies such as high-temperature materials, advanced propulsion systems, and control and guidance systems.

Illustration with a sea-based hypersonic missile

Each of these technologies is critical to hypersonic weapons and ensures their operational capabilities. The HyFliTE agreement also aims to strengthen the integrated deterrence strategy, a key element of the AUKUS partnership.

It will allow the partners to take advantage of their collective experience and resources to develop hypersonic weapons systems that can enhance the operational capabilities of the partner countries' armed forces. The parties are expected to conduct six joint flight tests of hypersonic weapons technologies with funding of £252 million. Back in September 2021, the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom announced the creation of a trilateral security partnership, AUKUS.

Leaders of the AUCUS project countries. Source: independent.co.uk

AUKUS participants then presented a decade-long project to supply Canberra with nuclear submarines. The pact also provides for cooperation in development and other military technologies.

The Canadian government is also considering joining the trilateral AUKUS pact, under which it plans to order nuclear submarines.

In addition, in case of joining, Canada is considering purchasing nuclear submarines for long-term patrolling of Arctic waters.