Australia inks £440m missile deal to counter Pacific arms race
Australia has signed an agreement with the Norwegian company Kongsberg concerning modern long-range missiles valued at £440 million. This marks another step in strengthening Australia's military potential amid the growing arms race in the Pacific.
During a press conference in Newcastle, Australia's Defence Minister, Pat Conroy, revealed that a factory at the city's airport will be constructed in partnership with the well-known Norwegian corporation. Production is expected to commence by 2027.
Australia is spending more and more on armaments
The new factory will produce anti-ship JSM (Joint Strike Missile) cruise missiles, which will be supplied to the Australian armed forces and for export. Conroy emphasised that it would be one of only two facilities capable of manufacturing this type of missile.
JSM missiles are designed to be carried by modern American F-35A fighter jets. The Australian facility is expected to produce up to 100 such missiles annually. Each missile measures approximately 13 feet in length and can strike both surface and land targets.
Australia has significantly strengthened its military capabilities in response to China's growing influence in the Pacific. In collaboration with the United States, it is developing a hypersonic missile programme and will begin producing guided missiles next year.
F-35A in Australia
Approximately 2,000 US Marines spend six months in Australia each year. The country already has two squadrons of F-35A fighter jets, stationed in Williamtown near Newcastle and at a base in Katherine in the Northern Territory, which the USA has modernised to accommodate American bombers.
The F-35A is a supersonic multi-role fighter jet built with stealth technology. It belongs to the CTOL (Conventional Take-off and Landing) class, meaning it takes off and lands conventionally. The aircraft measures 51 feet in length and has a wingspan of 35 feet. It can operate at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet and carry weaponry with a total weight exceeding 12 tonnes.
Japan and South Korea also possess these American fighter jet squadrons in the Indo-Pacific region.
