The country has sought to increase the capacity and self-sufficiency of its defense industry.
Australia will begin manufacturing cruise missiles, the country’s defense industry minister Pat Conroy said on Thursday. The purpose of the investment of more than 500 million euros is to increase its domestic arms production capacity in the accelerating arms race in the Asia-Pacific region.
According to Conroy Norwegian Kongsberg’s Joint Strike Missile (JSM) cruise missiles and Naval Strike Missile (NSM) anti-sea missiles are being manufactured in Australia. It is the first time that these missiles are manufactured outside of Norway.
– This is about investing in our advanced, high-tech industrial production and developing our independent defense industry, Conroy described at the press conference.
The missile factory will start construction in the city of Newcastle in New South Wales this year, and production is scheduled to begin in 2027. The factory has a capacity of one hundred missiles per year.
The JSM missiles cost around four million Australian dollars (2.4 million euros) each and can be used to equip F-35A fighters. Long-range missiles can be used against both land and sea targets.
Australia has increased its defense investments significantly in recent years and has sought to increase its self-sufficiency in arms production. Australia is especially worried about China’s huge investments in its armed forces.
In recent years, Australia has announced other ambitious arms industry projects, such as the intention to build nuclear submarines in cooperation with Britain and the United States.