Image source: topwar.ru
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) announced in June that the Australian Royal Air Force (RAAF) will conduct hypersonic weapons tests in Australia. In addition, the Australian Air Force's F/A-18E Super Hornet fighters will be equipped with American hypersonic HACM cruise missiles.
This was reported in the Australian Defense magazine with reference to the country's Ministry of Defense.
- the defense ministry told reporters.
It is assumed that these aircraft will be in service with the Australian Air Force until 2040.
Image source: topwar.ru
The US Air Force will purchase 13 HACM missiles for testing, which is expected to begin in October this year and last until March 2027. It is not yet known when the Australian part of the tests will begin. The choice for test events in Australia is due to the fact that there are large areas of uninhabited territories, while in the USA there are no such conditions.
Image source: topwar.ru
The new air-launched missile has been developed by the American company Raytheon in cooperation with Northrop Grumman since 2022. It is planned to transfer it to the US Air Force in 2027. Initially, it is planned to integrate it with the F-15E Strike Eagle fighter, and later with other platforms.
