How hypersonic missiles can counter China and Russia

The AUKUS Alliance have announced fresh plans to increase their hypersonic missile capabilities

It comes as China and Russia boast their own hypersonic weapons, which has raised alarm bells in the west.

The US, UK and Australia are working together to increase their hypersonic missile capabilities.

The AUKUS deal follows recent developments of high speed weaponry by China and Russia.

Hypersonic missiles travel at more than five times the speed of sound and alert altitude, they can even manoeuvre mid flight.

The UK doesn’t currently own any hypersonic weapons, but the US and Australia have an existing programme to develop them.

The US is hoping to have its first operational hypersonic weapons by 2023.

But it’s ruled short of making plans to develop its own weapons.

Meanwhile, Australia says the missiles will complement its plans for naval propulsion technology.

Hypersonic are an area where we’re looking to significantly upgrade our capabilities and they’re part of modern warfare, just like cyber.

The AUKUS Alliance says this latest mission will also deepen cooperation on cyber, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and additional undersea capabilities.

Officials say the announcement is unrelated to Russia’s use of weapons in Ukraine.

But as Russia’s Vladimir Putin orders his military to put nuclear and hypersonic missile forces on high alert, it seems like Western allies could be in a race against time.