AUKUS alliance plans to develop hypersonic missiles

The United States, United Kingdom and Australia plan to work together via the recently created security alliance known as AUKUS to develop hypersonic missiles, according to a Biden administration official. An announcement could come as soon as Tuesday.

The move comes amid growing concern by the US and allies about China’s growing military assertiveness in the Pacific.

The US official was not authorised to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the plans.

The US, Russia and China have all looked to develop hypersonic missiles – a system so fast that it cannot be intercepted by any current missile defence system.