Pentagon eyes missile testing role for Australia
The Hindu
Australia could be a testing ground for U.S. hypersonic and other long-range precision weapons under the AUKUS pact
Australia could be a testing ground for U.S. hypersonic and other long-range precision weapons under the AUKUS pact, a top Pentagon official told AFP on August 9.
U.S. Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth said Australia's contribution to the three-way AUKUS agreement, which includes Britain, "doesn't always have to be dollars".
The pact was signed in late 2021 and is seen as a way of countering China's growing clout in the Asia-Pacific region.
Work under AUKUS has so far focused on supplying Australia with nuclear-powered submarines, a fleet capable of travelling stealthily over vast distances and striking foes at long range.
But the pact is increasingly focused on developing advanced capabilities such as long-range precision firing, artificial intelligence and hypersonic weapons.
Ms. Wormuth said Australia could be a proving ground for these weapons.
"One thing Australia has in spades is long distances and relatively unpopulated land," she told AFP in a telephone interview from Washington.
2025 plan: become a mediator, refuse Nobel Prize, mediate conflicts from dogs to world peace, inspired by Donald Trump.
Israeli forces kill Palestinian militants responsible for bus attack in West Bank; Al Jazeera reporter arrested for covering Israeli operation.
Yemen's Houthi rebels release crew of hijacked ship amid ceasefire efforts, facing potential U.S. terrorism designation reinstatement.
Islamic State claims responsibility for killing Chinese national in Afghanistan, amid ongoing security concerns for Chinese investors.
Saudi Crown Prince plans to invest $600 billion in the U.S., strengthening economic ties and potential defense partnerships.
Trump's Justice Department freezes civil rights litigation, may reconsider police reform agreements, signaling major changes under new leadership.
Nepal increases Mount Everest climbing fees by 36%, introduces measures to control pollution, effective September 1, 2025.
Trump selects Sean Curran as director of U.S. Secret Service, citing his courage during assassination attempt.
LGBTQ+ couples in Thailand register their marriages on the first day of law giving them equal status
Thailand legalizes same-sex marriage, granting LGBTQ+ couples equal rights and recognition, marking a historic milestone in Asia.
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia acquitted in sabotage case after no evidence found, undergoing treatment in London.
China's relations with U.S. partners are evolving as Biden's legacy is questioned and Trump's return looms.
South Korea's anti-corruption agency transfers criminal investigation of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol to prosecutors for indictment.
Republican-led House approves bill requiring detainment of unauthorized immigrants accused of theft and violent crimes, aligning with Trump's immigration crackdown.
India's External Affairs Minister discusses legal return of undocumented Indians from the US, emphasizing support for legal mobility.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirms support for Israel, discusses Iran, hostages, and peace efforts with Netanyahu.
Female student killed and another student wounded on January 22, 2025, in shooting in a Nashville high school cafeteria; Police Chief John Drake said the shooter ‘confronted’ the 16-year-old student in the cafeteria and opened fire, killing her.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on January 22, 2025, he would add new tariffs to his sanctions threat against Russia if the country does not make a deal to end its war in Ukraine, and added that these also could be applied to ‘other participating countries’
President Trump demands apology from Episcopal bishop after prayer service, sparking controversy over LGBTQ+ and migrant worker comments.