Australia Plans New Missile System Due to Increased Chinese Activity

The Australian government is considering the construction of a new missile system to protect regions in the north of the country, in response to increased Chinese activity in the Asia-Pacific region, according to local newspaper Australian, citing their defense ministry.

"The government is looking to acquire a new missile system that can defend a large part of the north from enemy ships," the newspaper reports.

Among other issues, the government is considering the Australian StrikeMaster system. It includes a sea strike missile with a range of 250 kilometers and Bushmaster armored vehicles. The missile system could potentially deter Chinese vessels navigating through the Timor and Arafura Seas and the Torres Strait.

Local media reports indicate that this initiative complements Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles’ efforts to strengthen the country's military capacities. "We need to invest in the capabilities that will allow us to target potential adversary forces," Marles stated in a speech last November.

A year ago, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia announced the AUKUS trilateral defense partnership aimed at countering potential security threats in the Indo-Pacific region. However, recent actions by alliance members suggest a desire to change the strategic and political configuration of forces in the region.

At the end of July, it was reported that Britain would send submarines to Australia as a counterbalance to China. It has been noted that British submarines will be stationed in Perth, on Australia's western coast, until 2040.

Russia has repeatedly expressed concerns about the state of affairs in the Asia-Pacific region, related to the ways in which the United States and its allies are implementing cooperative forms aimed at containing other countries, particularly China.