The missile deal is part of a broader goal by the Australian government to reshape its military away from a focus on ground combat and toward a greater emphasis on long-range strike and area denial capabilities. Australia is facing increasing strategic competition between the US and China in small Pacific nations just off the country’s coastline, as well as escalating tensions between Beijing and Southeast Asian countries like the Philippines in the South China Sea. Conroy said the initial missiles produced in Australia would be suitable for launch from a Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System system. The government wants to then move toward manufacturing them on a broader scale. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com©2024 Bloomberg L.P.

Source: Hindustan Times January 16, 2024 16:27 UTC