Australia accelerates missile production to counter China's military threat.
Australia will begin domestic production of guided missiles by 2025, two years earlier than planned, as part of a defense overhaul aimed at enhancing long-range strike capability. The government will allocate AUD 2.5 billion to the project, which is more than double the original funding. Discussions are underway with missile manufacturers Raytheon and Lockheed, as well as Kongsberg, the Norwegian manufacturer of the naval strike missile Australia has already agreed to purchase. The country will also boost diplomacy in the region and step up defense ties with India, Japan, Southeast Asian nations, and Pacific islands.