Australia and US to Co-Manufacture Guided Weapons in 2024

Australia will start co-manufacturing guided weapons with the United States next year to enhance supply for allies in the Indo-Pacific and boost US military presence in the country. The AUSMIN talks highlighted the strategic partnership between the two nations, aimed at countering China's regional influence and bolstering security in the Indo-Pacific.

Australia will begin co-manufacturing guided weapons with the US in 2024 to bolster supply for Indo-Pacific allies and enhance the US military presence in the region. This announcement follows the annual AUSMIN defense talks.

The agreement includes upgrades to air bases in northern and western Australia. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed an increase in US forces, including patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, and rotational bomber deployments operating from these bases.

Both nations expressed serious concerns about China's military activity around Taiwan and in the South China Sea, urging stronger deterrence measures. Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles emphasized the strategic importance of US forces in Australia and the collaborative efforts in weapons manufacturing and regional security exercises.

(With inputs from agencies.)