Australia plans largest defense overhaul since WWII to counter China
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Loading... - Marieme Ka
- 24 Apr 2023
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Australian Army soldiers firing a Javelin anti-tank missile during an exercise, Melbourne Australia, May 9, 2019. (AFP Photo)
BY ASSOCIATED PRESS APR 24, 2023 4:07 PM
Australia is planning its largest defense overhaul since World War II following a government-commissioned review Monday. The review recommended increased budget, local production of munitions and development of longer-range strike capabilities as China's military buildup challenges regional security.
The Defense Strategic Review supports the so-called AUKUS partnership between Australia, United States and Britain, who in March announced an agreement to create an Australian fleet of eight submarines powered by U.S. nuclear technology.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government commissioned the review to assess whether Australia had the necessary defense capability, posture and preparedness to defend itself in the current strategic environment. "We support the strategic direction and key findings set out in the review, which will strengthen our national security and ensure our readiness for future challenges," Albanese said in a statement.
The public version of the classified review recommended Australia's government spend more on defense than the current expenditure of 2% of gross domestic product (GDP), improve the Australian Defense Force's ability to precisely strike targets at longer ranges and make munitions domestically. Read More…
