WELLINGTON, New Zealand – Australia said it would begin building its own guided missiles in close collaboration with the United States to boost its defense capabilities.
The news came amid growing unease in the Pacific region about China’s increasing assertiveness and military abilities.
Citing the “changing global environment,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said it would partner with a weapons manufacturer to build the missiles in a plan that would create thousands of jobs as well as export opportunities.
According to Morrison, it would initially spend one billion Australian dollars ($761 million) on the plan as part of a huge 10-year investment in defense and the defense industry.
“Creating our own sovereign capability on Australian soil is essential to keep Australians safe,” Morrison said on Wednesday.(AP)
