New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia
This budget will be spent over the next four years and nearly doubles the country’s defence spending as part of GDP to 2%.
India takes a step towards hypersonic capability
An earlier Indian hypersonic test vehicle from 2016. The latest test in December paves the way towards creation of a functional weapon system. (Photo: ISRO)
India's latest test of its HAVA hypersonic vehicle takes the country a step further towards fielding a functional weapon system.
Responding to Chinese technological advances, India is prioritising a Hypersonic Air-breathing Vehicle with Air integration systems (HAVA).
In a first step towards weaponisation, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Joint Services Innovation and Indigenisation Centre (JSIIC) jointly conducted hypersonic vehicle tests on 9 December Dec that, according to an ISRO statement, 'achieved all required parameters and demonstrated hypersonic vehicle capability'.
This ties in with a statement by the then Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat who announced last year the creation of a strategic ‘new’ rocket force and the need to use 'niche' technologies to face current security challenges.
ISRO
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