Australia boosts missile defence amid rising regional tensions
Australia will enhance its defensive capabilities, particularly its missile defence systems, as Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy announced on Wednesday. This is a direct response to increasing threats in the Indo-Pacific region, which, according to the minister, has entered a "new missile era" following China’s intercontinental ballistic missile test.
30 October 2024 10:49
Australia's Defence Industry Minister, Pat Conroy, announced on Wednesday plans to increase the national weapons stockpile and import armaments from the USA, Japan, and South Korea.
Let us recall that in September, China launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which covered over 7,000 miles and hit a target in the Pacific waters near the northeastern coast of Australia. In response, Canberra deployed SM-6 missiles on its naval vessels, intended for defence against ballistic missiles.
New agreement with the USA for long-range missile purchase
In October, the Australian government announced a deal with the United States to purchase long-range missiles SM-2 IIIC and Raytheon SM-6 for the navy. The contract is valued at £3.8 billion. According to the plans, by the end of the year, the fleet will be equipped with Tomahawk missiles with a range of 1,553 miles, increasing the range of the Australian Navy’s armament tenfold.
Investments in the development of the domestic defence industry
Earlier reports indicated that Australia would allocate £41 billion over the next decade for the purchase of missiles and the development of missile defence. More than £11 billion of this sum will be invested in building a new weapons and ammunition manufacturing facility to strengthen the national defence industry.
Minister Conroy noted that strengthening Australia’s defence capabilities aims to contribute to stability in the region. He also emphasised the importance of cooperation with international partners in the face of a changing geopolitical situation.
