Australia hands over bases for US military training in exchange for supporting Australia’s own arms production.
Rising tensions in the Pacific and China’s strengthened military presence near Taiwan are increasing the armament of the states in the region.
of the United States. The AUKUS security agreement signed by Britain and Australia also affects arms production.
US Secretary of State Antony BlinkenMinister of Defense Lloyd Austin and the Australian Minister of Defence Richard Marles announced after talks on Saturday morning that the United States would help Australia develop its own missile defense. The goal is to produce missile systems also for export. The joint project includes, among other things, the development of the GMLRS rocket launch system.
The war in Ukraine has accelerated the demand for weapons, lengthened delivery times and depleted ammunition stocks.
Australia is renovating bases
Australia and the United States are intensifying military cooperation in many ways.
Australla plans to renovate the bases in the northern part of the country in particular for use by the navy, for example for port visits by American nuclear submarines. Australia also plans to develop its own nuclear submarines.
The United States also participates in the multinational exercise Talisman Sabre. 30,000 soldiers are involved in the joint exercise.
Taiwan’s support increases greatly
The United States announced yesterday, Friday, that Taiwan will receive military aid for $345 million. The support includes, among other things, defense equipment and training aid.
China considers Taiwan a rebel province. It opposes US military aid to Taiwan.
‘Reuters, AFP