Australia announced Wednesday (March 31) that it will work closely with the United States to begin building its own missiles to strengthen its defense capabilities. Australia’s decision comes at a Time of deteriorating relations with China and growing unease in the Pacific over China’s growing ambitions and military capabilities.
Prime Minister Morrison said Australia will partner with a weapons manufacturer to produce the missiles because of the “changing global environment. The program will create thousands of jobs and export opportunities.
Australia will initially spend A$1 billion ($761 million) on the program, Morrison said. The program is part of a huge 10-year investment in defense and the defense industry.
“Building our own sovereign capability on Australian soil is vital to keeping Australians safe,” Morrison said.
Australia has not produced advanced missiles for decades and currently relies on imports from allied countries, including the United States. Australia currently produces a decoy rocket designed to jam incoming missiles.
Michael Shoebridge, director of defense, strategy and national security at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, an independent think tank based in Canberra, sees the announcement from Australia as welcome news that fills a strategic gap.
“The driving factors are two words that start with the letter C, China (China) and new coronavirus disease (COVID),” he told the Associated Press.
Hughbridge said China’s increasing aggressiveness is a major concern for Australia, while at the same time, the coronavirus pandemic has exposed the vulnerability of the global supply chain.
According to the analyst, Australia’s most pressing need is for long-range anti-ship missiles that can be launched from warships or aircraft. New army combat vehicles also need missile capability, he said.
Australia is part of the “Five Eyes” intelligence alliance and part of the “Quadrilateral” framework.
We will be working closely with the United States on this important initiative to ensure we understand how our programs can best support Australia’s needs and the growing needs of our most important military partners,” Australian Defense Minister Peter Dutton said.
He said manufacturing weapons in Australia would not only enhance its capabilities, but also ensure the country is well supplied for combat operations in the event of any disruptions in the global supply chain.
Prior to the announcement of homemade missiles, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute had estimated that Australia would need to spend A$100 billion on missiles and guided weapons over the next 20 years.
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