In a written statement from the Australian Ministry of Defence, the 2024 Australian Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Plan was announced.
The statement said the plan includes increasing missile production in Australia and improving long-range strike capability over the next 10 years.
In the statement, it was reported that the government supported this plan with an investment of 10-14 billion dollars, and it was emphasized that the Ministry is working to strengthen the domestic defense industry.
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles, whose assessment on the subject was included in the statement, emphasized that this plan shows Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's determination to keep his citizens safe.
Noting that the Australian Defence Force has made significant progress in expanding and accelerating its long-range strike capabilities over the past 18 months, Marles said the plan is an important part of transforming the Australian military into an integrated force capable of protecting the country's security.
Speaking at the National Press Club in Canberra, Australian Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy linked his country's "need for more missiles" to the rivalry between the United States and China.
Stating that this competition has become "sharpest" in the Indo-Pacific, Conroy reminded that missile technology has developed over the decades, especially with precision guidance capabilities.
"Analysts believe we are now on the cusp of a new Indo-Pacific missile era," Conroy said.
Noting that the missiles have a deterrence feature as well as the damage they will cause, Conroy said, "We can try to deter conflicts or attempts to put pressure on Australia by force, and in this way we can contribute to regional security."
Source: AA
