Australia and US to Jointly Manufacture Guided Weapons Amid Rising Tensions in Indo-Pacific

Australia will start co-manufacturing guided weapons with the US next year to bolster their military alliance in the Indo-Pacific. The collaboration aims to boost supply for allies, enhance the US military presence in Australia, and address shared security challenges, particularly from China's aggressive behaviors.

Australia will begin co-manufacturing guided weapons with the United States next year to bolster supplies for allies in the Indo-Pacific and to enhance the US military presence in the country, including bomber aircraft, as announced after annual defense talks.

The US and Australia, already upgrading air bases in northern and western Australia to position them closer to potential flashpoints with China in the South China Sea, announced increased rotational US forces, including maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, operating from northern Australia.

During the AUSMIN talks in Annapolis, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin highlighted shared security challenges posed by China's behavior. A joint statement expressed concern over Chinese military actions around Taiwan and excessive maritime claims in the South China Sea, emphasizing increased military cooperation and guided weapons manufacturing between the nations.

(With inputs from agencies.)