According to foreign media reports, the "Okus" alliance, consisting of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, recently signed an agreement to collaborate on a hypersonic weapon flight test project called "HyFliTE" to accelerate the development of hypersonic weapons. The core content of the "Okus" alliance includes two pillars. The "first pillar" is to manufacture nuclear submarines for Australia, and the "second pillar" is to promote the coordinated development of advanced capability technology projects and apply them to the military field. The US Department of Defense stated that this agreement is guided by the "second pillar" of the "Okus" alliance, with a focus on investing in high-temperature materials, advanced propulsion systems, and guidance and control systems. Through equipment, technology, information sharing, and simplified procurement processes, it aims to enhance the development of offensive and defensive hypersonic weapons capabilities. The project plans to conduct at least 6 flight testing activities before 2028, with an estimated investment of $252 million. The report states that the "HyFliTE" project will be carried out on the basis of cooperation between the United States and Australia. It is reported that the two countries have been cooperating in the research and development of hypersonic weapons for over 15 years. In 2020, the two countries also launched a project called the "Southern Cross Integrated Flight Research Experiment", aimed at developing a 5 Mach precision strike missile driven by an air breathing scramjet engine. British Defense Secretary John Healy stated that the "HyFliTE" project demonstrates that the "Okus" alliance is accelerating the realization of security defense commitments through technology resource sharing. At the same time, the project also injects vitality into the market, with over 90 suppliers participating in the future, with a commercial value of up to 1 billion pounds (approximately 1.26 billion US dollars). Analysts say that although the "Okus" alliance intends to clear obstacles for the development of hypersonic weapons through cooperation, simplified procurement systems, and other means, it is still unknown whether it can be quickly developed successfully. As the core of the "Okus" alliance, the United States has vigorously promoted multiple hypersonic weapon projects, but so far there is still no fully combat capable one. The UK announced in April this year that it plans to install domestically manufactured hypersonic missiles before 2030, but it is currently in the early stages of development. There are reports that suggest the possibility of Britain purchasing hypersonic weapons from the United States in the future cannot be ruled out. Australia lacks a relevant military industrial foundation and research and development system, and its main weapons and equipment are mainly procured, making it difficult to develop hypersonic weapons. (New Society)