https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/a...reat-kdqcc500b
Australia to Build Domestic Missiles to Counter Chinese Threat
Scott Morrison, the prime minister, has announced Australia is to build its own missiles to allay fears that it would quickly run out of munitions in a regional conflict — probably against China. The A$1 billion (£550 million) project was unveiled on the 100th anniversary of the Royal Australian Air Force. The funds will be fast-tracked to create a military manufacturing industry.
The government expects to spend A$100 billion on defence over the next 20 years. At present it buys missiles from US, European and Israeli manufacturers, through long supply chains that are vulnerable to disruption.
Morrison said a new facility could produce weapons within three years. He emphasised that Australia must meet its own needs in a changing environment but did not mention China’s militarisation of local seas.
“It is imperative we now proceed with the creation of a sovereign guided-weapons capability as a priority,” Morrison said. A “strategic partner” for the project will be chosen this year.
Michael Shoebridge, a director at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, a think tank, said that China’s aggression and the vulnerability of global supply chains exposed by the coronavirus were a concern for Australia. Its most pressing need was for long-range anti-ship missiles, he said.
If China moved to take control of Taiwan, Australia would need a lot of missiles quickly and could not rely on importing them in time, he added.....