US, UK, Australia announce collaboration on hypersonic weapons

The United States, Britain and Australia said on Tuesday they would collaborate on hypersonic weapons and "electronic warfare capabilities."

The announcement was made by US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison as part of the new AUKUS alliance, which was formed last September.

A joint statement said the countries committed to "commence new trilateral cooperation on hypersonics and counter-hypersonics, and electronic warfare capabilities, as well as to expand information sharing and to deepen cooperation on defence innovation."

The move comes amid growing concern among the US and its allies about China's growing military influence in the Pacific region.

"As our work progresses on these and other critical defense and security capabilities, we will seek opportunities to engage allies and close partners," the statement said.