Latest news with #ExerciseTalismanSabre2025
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Science
- Newsweek
US Reaches Major Hypersonic Weapon Milestone
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United States reached a historic milestone in the contested development of hypersonic weapons as a new long-range missile system was deployed overseas for the first time. The deployment of the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) was part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, a multinational war game hosted by Australia in July, during which the U.S. conducted a live-fire drill with its Mid-Range Capability (MRC) missile system. Newsweek has contacted the U.S. Army for further comment via email. Why It Matters A hypersonic weapon is capable of flying at Mach 5 or faster, more than five times the speed of sound. Unlike ballistic missiles, which follow a predictable trajectory, this type of superfast and novel weapon can maneuver during flight, making it difficult to intercept. Both of the U.S.'s major rivals—Russia and China—and regional adversaries such as North Korea and Iran have said they have developed and deployed hypersonic missiles. An expert previously told Newsweek that "nobody wants to drop out" of this arms race. Facing the rapidly growing threat of hypersonic weapons, the U.S. military is enhancing its defense posture, including upgrades to the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense radar for tracking hypersonic missiles and conducting simulated intercept tests. What To Know The U.S. Army Pacific Public Affairs Office said on Saturday that one of its units—the Hawaii-based Third Multi-Domain Task Force (3MDTF)—had deployed a LRHW system outside the continental U.S. for the first time, stationing it in Australia's Northern Territory. The deployment, which seeks to showcase what the Army described as a "game-changing capability," took place as early as July 9 and involved at least two missile launchers at an undisclosed location in the Northern Territory, according to photos released on Saturday. The LRHW, capable of conducting precision strikes at "long range, leveraging hypersonic speeds," demonstrated the 3MDTF's ability to adapt and innovate in response to evolving security challenges during this deployment, the U.S. Army Pacific said in a news release. The missile system—dubbed "Dark Eagle"—has a reported range of 1,725 miles, according to a Congressional Research Service report published in June. Each LRHW unit, known as a battery, is equipped with four launchers capable of accommodating a total of eight missiles. This land-based weapon system serves as a "strategic attack weapon system" designed to defeat anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) capabilities, suppress adversary long-range fires, and engage other high-payoff or time-critical targets, the report further noted, citing the Army. A2/AD capabilities prevent or restrict an enemy from entering and operating within an area. China is regarded as possessing the world's most sophisticated A2/AD network as Beijing warns against foreign interference over Taiwan, which it considers its "breakaway province." The United States Army Third Multi-Domain Task Force deploys the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon system to Northern Territory, Australia, on July 9 to participate in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025. The United States Army Third Multi-Domain Task Force deploys the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon system to Northern Territory, Australia, on July 9 to participate in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025. Sgt. Perla Alfaro/U.S. Army The LRHW, the 1,000-mile-range MRC, and the 310-mile-plus-range Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) are all part of the U.S. Army's effort to counter A2/AD networks. The PrSM also featured in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, where it was fired by the Australian army. What People Are Saying Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, the commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, said in a news release on Saturday: "The deployment of the LRHW system to Australia marks a significant achievement for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, as it validates the Army's ability to deploy, position, and exercise command and control (C2) of the system in a forward environment." Colonel Wade Germann, the commander of the U.S. Army Third Multi-Domain Task Force, said in a news release on Saturday: "The deployment of the LRHW system to Australia is a major milestone for the Army and demonstrates our ability to rapidly deploy and operate advanced capabilities in support of our allies and partners." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether the U.S. Army will deploy the LRHW in allied countries near China—such as Japan, South Korea or the Philippines—following the conclusion of the Australia-hosted war game. An MRC has been deployed in the Philippines since April 2024.
Miami Herald
28-07-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
China Fires Back at US Allies: 'Political Manipulation'-
China's embassy in the United Kingdom has issued a sharp rebuke after Britain and Australia raised concerns over Beijing's actions in the Asia-Pacific, slamming the two countries for "unwarranted accusations and political manipulation." The statement followed the arrival of the U.K.'s flagship aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, in the port of Darwin just three days earlier to take part in Australia's Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025. The U.S. and its allies-both within the Asia-Pacific and beyond-have been stepping up security cooperation in response to China's increasingly assertive actions in the region, as President Xi Jinping seeks to challenge American primacy. Newsweek reached out to the Australian Department of Defence and the U.K.'s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office via emailed requests for comment. The Chinese embassy on Sunday pushed back against a joint statement issued by the U.K. and Australian foreign and defense ministers following their ministerial consultations in Sydney on Saturday. "We firmly oppose the groundless accusations against China in the U.K.-Australia joint statement. Taiwan, Xinjiang, Xizang [Tibet], and Hong Kong affairs are all China's internal affairs, in which no foreign country has the right to interfere," an embassy spokesperson said, responding to criticism of Beijing's domestic actions. The joint statement cited China's "destabilizing" military activities around Taiwan-the self-ruled island Beijing claims as its territory and has vowed to unite with, through force if necessary. Also mentioned were alleged human rights abuses in Tibet and Xinjiang, and suppression of free speech and democracy in Hong Kong. The spokesperson also objected to the statement's depiction of China's behavior in the South China Sea, saying, "The U.K. and Australia should stop hyping up the issue and stirring up trouble." China claims most of the busy waterway as its territory-claims that overlap with those of several neighbors and have led to a bitter territorial dispute with U.S. treaty ally the Philippines. The spokesperson also rejected the joint statement's call for China to prevent its companies from supplying dual-use civilian-military goods to Russia for use in the ongoing war in Ukraine. "China has been working actively to promote a ceasefire and peace talks, and has kept dual-use items under strict control," the official said. While China has presented itself as neutral in the conflict, it has never called Russia's actions an invasion, and booming trade with Moscow has helped sustain Russia's wartime economy-prompting NATO to label China a "decisive enabler." John Haley, British defense secretary, told the Telegraph regarding a potential war over Taiwan: "If we have to fight, as we have done in the past, Australia and the U.K. are nations that will fight together. We exercise together, and by exercising together and being more ready to fight, we deter better together." Haley added, however, that he was speaking in "general terms" and that London preferred to see disputes solved "peacefully." Exercise Talisman Sabre will conclude on August 4. This year's iteration-the 11th and largest yet-involves 30,000 military personnel from 19 countries, including the United States. Related Articles Video Shows Cars Swept Away in Beijing Amid China FloodsUS Doubles Down on Nuclear Submarine Plans in South PacificShaolin Temple's Head Monk Faces Criminal ProbeUS Alliance Flexes Missile Strike Capability Amid China Threat 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
28-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
China Fires Back at US Allies: 'Political Manipulation'-
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. China's embassy in the United Kingdom has issued a sharp rebuke after Britain and Australia raised concerns over Beijing's actions in the Asia-Pacific, slamming the two countries for "unwarranted accusations and political manipulation." Why It Matters The statement followed the arrival of the U.K.'s flagship aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, in the port of Darwin just three days earlier to take part in Australia's Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025. The U.S. and its allies—both within the Asia-Pacific and beyond—have been stepping up security cooperation in response to China's increasingly assertive actions in the region, as President Xi Jinping seeks to challenge American primacy. Newsweek reached out to the Australian Department of Defence and the U.K.'s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office via emailed requests for comment. What To Know The Chinese embassy on Sunday pushed back against a joint statement issued by the U.K. and Australian foreign and defense ministers following their ministerial consultations in Sydney on Saturday. "We firmly oppose the groundless accusations against China in the U.K.-Australia joint statement. Taiwan, Xinjiang, Xizang [Tibet], and Hong Kong affairs are all China's internal affairs, in which no foreign country has the right to interfere," an embassy spokesperson said, responding to criticism of Beijing's domestic actions. British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales is escorted by tugboats as it leaves from Portsmouth Naval Base on the south coast of England, on April 22 for deployment to the Indo-Pacific region. British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales is escorted by tugboats as it leaves from Portsmouth Naval Base on the south coast of England, on April 22 for deployment to the Indo-Pacific region. Ben Stansall/AFP via Getty Images The joint statement cited China's "destabilizing" military activities around Taiwan—the self-ruled island Beijing claims as its territory and has vowed to unite with, through force if necessary. Also mentioned were alleged human rights abuses in Tibet and Xinjiang, and suppression of free speech and democracy in Hong Kong. The spokesperson also objected to the statement's depiction of China's behavior in the South China Sea, saying, "The U.K. and Australia should stop hyping up the issue and stirring up trouble." China claims most of the busy waterway as its territory—claims that overlap with those of several neighbors and have led to a bitter territorial dispute with U.S. treaty ally the Philippines. The spokesperson also rejected the joint statement's call for China to prevent its companies from supplying dual-use civilian-military goods to Russia for use in the ongoing war in Ukraine. "China has been working actively to promote a ceasefire and peace talks, and has kept dual-use items under strict control," the official said. While China has presented itself as neutral in the conflict, it has never called Russia's actions an invasion, and booming trade with Moscow has helped sustain Russia's wartime economy—prompting NATO to label China a "decisive enabler." What People Have Said John Haley, British defense secretary, told the Telegraph regarding a potential war over Taiwan: "If we have to fight, as we have done in the past, Australia and the U.K. are nations that will fight together. We exercise together, and by exercising together and being more ready to fight, we deter better together." Haley added, however, that he was speaking in "general terms" and that London preferred to see disputes solved "peacefully." What's Next Exercise Talisman Sabre will conclude on August 4. This year's iteration—the 11th and largest yet—involves 30,000 military personnel from 19 countries, including the United States.
Newsweek
28-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
US Alliance Flexes Missile Strike Capability Amid China Threat
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United States and its Pacific ally, Australia, staged a show of force demonstrating their long-range strike capabilities through a missile test and the deployment of a rocket system. Both events took place during the ongoing multinational Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025—the largest and most-sophisticated warfighting exercise ever conducted in Australia. Newsweek has contacted the Chinese defense and foreign ministries for comment via email. Why It Matters China has claimed sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, overlapping the territorial claims of other regional countries and often leading to standoffs and clashes between their maritime forces. There have been growing concerns over Chinese military presence and activities throughout the Indo-Pacific. What To Know The Chinese military—operator of the world's largest naval force by hull count—has been expanding its reach beyond East Asia, including a dual aircraft carrier mission in the broader Western Pacific in June and a circumnavigation of Australia between February and March. Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 has previously featured live-fire anti-ship missile activities conducted by the Japanese Army, the Canadian Navy, and a U.S. land-based missile system, showcasing the capabilities of the U.S. and its allies in countering China's naval buildup. A photo released by the Australian military shows an Australian Army High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) fired a Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) from the Mount Bundey Training Area in the Northern Territory during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025. An Australian High Mobility Artillery Rocket System fires a Precision Strike Missile from the Mount Bundey Training Area in the Northern Territory, Australia, during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 on July 25, 2025. An Australian High Mobility Artillery Rocket System fires a Precision Strike Missile from the Mount Bundey Training Area in the Northern Territory, Australia, during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 on July 25, 2025. Australian Defense Department The Friday live-fire event marked the first time the PrSM was test-fired in Australia, the country's Defense Department said. The missile—which has a maximum range of more than 310 miles—is central to strengthening Australia's land and maritime strike capabilities. "The test conducted today was two years ahead of schedule and followed the delivery of the first PrSM a year ahead of schedule," according to the Australian military. The missile—codeveloped with the U. S.—is expected to be upgraded to extend its range to over 621 miles. Australia also received its first HIMARS—a truck-mounted launcher capable of carrying up to two rounds of PrSM—two months ahead of schedule. The South Pacific country has ordered 42 HIMARS launchers, with the first batch arriving from the U.S. in April. Meanwhile, the U.S. Army deployed its HIMARS launchers for the Australia-hosted war game, including one sent to Christmas Island—an Australian territory in the Indian Ocean, located 932 miles west of the mainland—for a simulated launch conducted on July 22. The HIMARS deployment—officially known as HIMARS Rapid Infiltration—demonstrated the ability to rapidly deploy and employ land-based, long-range precision fires by airlifting the launcher to a forward airfield, thereby extending the range of the munition it launched. A United States High Mobility Artillery Rocket System conducts a simulated launch on Australia's Christmas Island as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 on July 22, 2025. A United States High Mobility Artillery Rocket System conducts a simulated launch on Australia's Christmas Island as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 on July 22, 2025. Australian Defense Department The deployment of the HIMARS—which can hit both land and maritime targets—follows the transit of a Chinese three-ship naval task group near Christmas Island earlier this year. The remote island, which lies closer to Indonesia than to mainland Australia, is "very strategically positioned" in the Indian Ocean, and the Australian military needs to be able to operate there, said Commodore Peter Leavy, who oversaw the HIMARS deployment. What People Are Saying Australian Minister for Defense IndustryPat Conroy said in a press release on Friday: "From delivering HIMARS ahead of schedule to delivering and testing PrSM ahead of schedule, the Albanese Government is modernizing the Australian Army at speed. This successful launch is a significant milestone in the Government's plan to deliver a twenty-five-fold increase to Army's long-range strike capability." Australia's Defense Department said in a press release on Friday: "[HIMARS Rapid Infiltration] brings deterrence through the unpredictable appearance of land-based, long-range precision fires against land and maritime targets, and is an essential element of littoral warfare, which the Australian Army is now deeply focused on through the enhancement of its forces and capabilities." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 will include additional live-fire missile drills before it concludes.
Straits Times
28-07-2025
- Straits Times
SAF artillery, aircraft make Exercise Talisman Sabre debut in Australia
Find out what's new on ST website and app. The Singapore Army HIMARS participating in the combined joint live-firing at Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025. SINGAPORE – The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) participated for the first time in the multinational Exercise Talisman Sabre (XTS), co-hosted by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command. More than 100 SAF personnel, two Himars rocket launchers and two Chinook helicopters were deployed between July 13 and 28 alongside 40,000 personnel from 18 other partner nations at the military exercise, said the SAF on July 28. The 11th iteration of XTS, the largest multinational military exercise in the Asia-Pacific and held every other year, will conclude on Aug 4. Partner nations at the drills include Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Britain and Japan. Malaysian and Vietnamese forces attended as observers, according to the Australian Department of Defence. Teams from the SAF's Special Operations Task Force, Special Operations Aviation Task Group, medical and information domains took part in integrated training with partner forces. 'We value such multilateral training opportunities, which allow the SAF to enhance interoperability and deepen mutual understanding with partner militaries,' said Brigadier-General Anand Sathi Kumar. 'Such opportunities will further hone the SAF's tactical competencies, demonstrate our soldiers' professionalism, and build enduring friendships with partner nations.' Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Tanjong Katong sinkhole backfilled; road to be repaved after LTA tests Asia Gunman kills 5 security guards near Bangkok's Chatuchak market before taking own life Singapore HPB looking for vaping, smoking counselling services for up to 175 secondary school students Singapore Jail for former pre-school teacher who tripped toddler repeatedly, causing child to bleed from nose Singapore Police statements by doctor in fake vaccine case involving Iris Koh allowed in court: Judge Singapore Woman allegedly linked to case involving pre-schooler's sexual assault given stern warning Singapore Singapore lion dance troupe retains title at Genting World championship Singapore SMRT reports unauthorised post on its X account, says investigation under way Aircraft from the RSAF participating in a joint mission with the United States' 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment at Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025. PHOTO: MINDEF The SAF's Himars crew trained with Australian and US forces at a combined live-firing exercise on July 14 in Queensland, with the US Department of Defence describing the SAF artillery as delivering precision long-range fire after moving from concealed positions. Mr Euan Graham, a senior analyst on defence strategy at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said that the presence of Singaporean forces at XTS is noteworthy. 'Singapore has advanced military capabilities that no other partner in South-east Asia comes close to, so for them to take part in Talisman Sabre is an opportunity for them to drill as part of a large coalition force, and at the more complex end of the activity spectrum,' he told US-based defence news outlet Breaking Defense.
