WELLINGTON, New Zealand 鈥� Australia announced Wednesday it would begin building its own guided missiles in close collaboration with the U.S. as it seeks to boost its
Citing the "changing global environment,鈥� 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.
Morrison said it would spend 1 billion Australian dollars ($761 million) on the plan as part of a huge 10-year investment in
鈥淐reating our own sovereign capability on Australian soil is essential to keep Australians safe,鈥� Morrison said.
Australia is part of the 鈥淔ive Eyes鈥� intelligence alliance, along with the U.S., Canada, Britain and New Zealand.
鈥淲e will work closely with the United States on this important initiative to ensure that we understand how our enterprise can best support both Australia鈥檚 needs and the growing needs of our most important military partner,"
He said building weapons in Australia would not only enhance its capabilities but would also ensure the nation had sufficient for combat operations if there was any disruption to global supply chains.
The Australian Strategic Policy Institute, an independent
Nick Perry, The Associated Press
