Australia to allocate $2.7bn to purchase US missiles and produce ammunition
The Australian government plans to allocate $2.7bn to purchase American high-precision missiles and launchers, as well as to expand its own production of ammunition and components, TASS reports
According to Defence Minister Richard Marles, this decision was made to quickly equip the Australian army with the latest weapons systems, including sea-based strike systems and long-range missile launchers.
“We also intend to ensure the formation of our own stocks of weapons and ammunition through the creation of national enterprises that produce missiles and components,” he said.
The head of the defence department also noted that $1.05bn will be allocated for the purchase of missiles and launchers, and the rest of the funds will be invested in the development of enterprises of the military-industrial complex.
Richard Marles clarified that the government intends to rebuild and modernise the Australian army in the near future in accordance with the current strategic conditions in the region.
“The current firing range of the Australian Army artillery should increase from 40km to more than 500km, <...> so that it can hit targets at a much greater distance than today,” he stated.
