Australia launches its own missile production plan worth $570 million

Australia announces a $570 million deal for domestic missile production.

Here's What We Know

Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy has announced a deal to develop Joint Strike Missiles (JSM) sea and air missiles at a plant north of Sydney.

Later this year, the plant will begin production of anti-ship cruise missiles and JSMs that can be fitted to the most advanced F-35A aircraft.

"This is about investing in our advanced, high-tech industry and developing our sovereign defence industrial base," Conroy said.

A defence official told AFP that the plant will begin production in 2027 and will be able to produce 100 missiles a year.

Concerns over China's huge defence spending and Russia's invasion of Ukraine have led many US allies to express concern about a lack of munitions production capacity. Australia is one of several countries in the Asia-Pacific region that are dramatically increasing defence spending.

Source: The Defence Post