China test-fires intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean
NBCOCT 2 2024
Following China's recent test firing of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in the South Pacific, Australia announced plans to bolster its missile defense systems and long-range strike capabilities.
Minister of Defense Industry Pat Conroy said they will build an AU$316M ($207M) factory to manufacture Lockheed Martin’s Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS), which will begin manufacturing 4K GMLRS annually in 2029.
Besides the factory, which will be the first of its kind outside the US, French defense company Thales will manufacture up to 100K rounds of 155mm M795 artillery ammunition at a facility in the Australian state of Victoria, beginning in 2028.
Australia has no choice but to boost its missile capabilities to counter China and safeguard regional stability. While this strategy should be preventative and de-escalating in nature, the rapid advancement of Beijing's naval and missile systems requires Canberra to enhance its own deterrence and power projection from its northern territories. This should be a group effort between Australia, the US, and other Pacific region militaries.
The entire Asia Pacific region must seriously consider the consequences of partnering with the warmongering US. These missile programs — particularly regarding covert nuclear-armed submarines — are not aimed at maintaining peace but rather enriching American weapons companies and provoking China. The US doesn't care if Southeast Asian countries bear the brunt of its cold war with Beijing, which should worry everyone involved.