Lockheed Martin, a US defence giant, has stated that it would be willing to select the UK to develop an advanced hypersonic jet missile before it could do so in America.
The Mako missile, named after the fastest shark on the oceans, is a prototype of a versatile weapon that the company wants to develop with the UK.
The F-35 stealth fighter is designed to fire it on missions like air-to-sea attacks, anti-air defense strikes, and other air-to-ground assaults.
Lockheed would have to break from its usual practices if it were to develop this advanced weapon outside of the US. The US funded the initial Mako work.
Tim Cahill, Lockheed’s president of missiles and fire-control, says that such a technology-sharing is now possible thanks to the Aukus Agreement, which brings together the UK, US, and Australia. This will help each country choose priorities when it comes to defence spending in a time where budgets are tight.
He said during the Farnborough International Airshow: “I believe Mako is an excellent example because it’s multi-mission missile we could use that has good range, good speed, and is compatible with many platforms.
“These are areas where the UK can clearly contribute and become a master.”
His comments coincide with the fact that the new Labour Government will be conducting a major review of Britain’s defence capabilities. This review could recommend which capabilities Britain should strive for and those it may want to eliminate.
The Ministry of Defence has stated that it is aiming to develop a hypersonic missile capability for the United States by 2030. It is currently working with 90 companies in order to evaluate various options.
Mr Cahill said that the UK must identify “gaps in capability” that need to filled and that Lockheed is willing to develop a Mako style hypersonic rocket for the UK.
This would involve partnering with British firms on production and supply chain.
He said: “Resources in all of our countries are stretched.” If the UK brings that investment and that focus, then Australia and the United States won’t need to do that – they can focus on other things but everyone gets better.
Aukus is open to advancing technology and moving forward so that you can become the best.
Each country will make its own decisions. It doesn’t just have to be “buy from the United States” or “build some capability from zero”.
“The world is changing. Aukus, a new company, is openly discussing co-productions around the globe with the blessing and backing of the United States Government.
It doesn’t need to be an old model.
The Aukus Agreement, signed by the governments in the UK, US, and Australia, was initially drawn up to exchange sensitive technology regarding nuclear-powered subs, amid an increasing threat from China.
Defence experts also see “pillar 2” as being of great importance, as it involves technology sharing in cutting-edge areas like hypersonic weapons or quantum computing.
Hypersonic cruise missiles can evade air defences of an enemy by traveling at speeds greater than 4,000 miles per hours and performing manoeuvres in mid-flight.
According to the US, it has already tested hypersonic missiles in order to keep up with the missile technology of Russia and China. Both China and Russia claim to have developed similar technologies.
The MoD also runs a consortium consisting of 80 companies that are tasked with coming up with designs for possible British missiles.
The project is being managed by the MoD Whitehall headquarters, and not by any of the three armed forces. It has been called a “national missions”.
The MoD may be more inclined to seek a partnership with Lockheed, a company that has spent years in design.
Lockheed has been developing the Mako missile for seven years. The US Air Force has funded its development, but the Pentagon has yet to order it.
Last year, it lost to a rival for the US Stand-In Attack Weapon programme (SiAW). This programme aimed to develop an air-launched missile to counter air defence systems, surface-to-air missiles, and anti-ship launchers.
We contacted the MoD for a comment.
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