Australia will start producing guided weapons with the US next year to boost supplies to allies in the Indo-Pacific and the US military presence in the country, including bombers, the two countries announced after annual defense talks.
Australia and the United States are already working to upgrade air bases in northern and western Australia, which are closer to potential flashpoints with China in the South China Sea than Australia’s capital Canberra.
Following the annual AUSMIN talks in Annapolis, Maryland, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the presence of rotating US forces in Australia would be increased.
In opening remarks, Austin said the two allies faced common security challenges, including China.
A joint statement released after the AUSMIN talks expressed concern over China’s military activity around Taiwan and China’s excessive maritime claims in the South China Sea.
They “observed serious concern over China’s dangerous and escalating behavior towards Philippine ships operating lawfully within the Philippine EEZ.”
There are no US military bases in Australia, but the northern city of Darwin hosts a rotating force of US Marines for six months each year, and the US builds facilities for its Marines and air squadrons that land at Australian bases.
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said that the presence of United States forces in Australia contributes to deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region, and that cooperation in the production of guided weapons in Australia will be strengthened.
Australia will begin production of guided missiles next year, Hina writes.
