Australia will accelerate its acquisition and development of long-range missiles amid rising tensions between the U.S. and China.
A
major defense review on Monday described the biggest overhaul of
Australia's military since World War Two, according to Australian Prime
Minister Anthony Albanese.
- Albanese announced a public version of the classified military document at a media event on Monday.
- The
report describes changes that include ramping up Australia's
acquisition and domestic production of long-range strike and guided
weapons.
- The country will also focus on developing cyber and
space defense capabilities and bolstering its northern bases to protect
communications infrastructure and trade routes.
- Canberra will
spend A$19B ($12B) of its existing defense budget to carry out the
report's recommendations over the next four years and plans to boost
Australia's military budget over the next decade.
- Albanese
cannot boost military spending in the short term due to domestic
politics, according to John Blaxland, professor of international
security at Australian National University.
- "We
cannot fall back on old assumptions. We must build the strength in our
security by seeking to shape the future," said Albanese as he unveiled
the report on Monday.
- The review re-emphasized Australia's focus on developing a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines in collaboration with the U.S. and the U.K. as part of the AUKUS program.
