According to a significant defense review, Australia intends to accelerate its procurement of long-range missiles to address the increasing danger posed by China. The review cautions that in the "missile age," the country cannot rely on its geographical isolation for protection anymore.

To implement the immediate recommendations, the government has allocated around A$19 billion ($12bn, £10bn). The 110-page report is being referred to as the most extensive revamp of Australian defense since World War II.

The Defense Strategic Review has been released at a time when military tensions in the area are escalating due to China's position on Taiwan, which it has pledged to capture through force if necessary. Additionally, the Chinese navy has established a significant presence in the South China Sea, asserting ownership over parts of it, which goes against international law.

According to the report, "China's military build-up is now the largest and most ambitious of any country since the end of the Second World War. This expansion is happening without transparency or reassurance to the Indo-Pacific region of China's strategic intent."

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stated that the review will enable Australia to "shape the future" instead of waiting for it to shape the country. Its recommendations are intended to make Australia "more self-sufficient, better prepared, and more secure," according to him. Defense Minister Richard Marles stated that the review proposes a shift in focus from land-based armor to "longer-range strike capability, with munitions produced in Australia." "We need a defense force that can engage in 'impactful projection,'" Marles told reporters. The minister added that the acquisition of "precision strike missiles" with ranges exceeding 500 km (310 miles) would provide the army with "the firepower and mobility it requires in the future."

According to the review, Australia's northern defenses need to be strengthened, and the Australian Defense Force (ADF) should have greater operating capabilities from northern bases. The acquisition of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket (HIMARS) system, which the Ukrainian Army used to halt the Russian advance, will be fast-tracked, while several projects, including plans for new self-propelled guns and ammunition supply vehicles, will be deferred to fund the new priorities.

Mr. Marles emphasized the importance of maintaining a continuous shipbuilding capability in the country. In March, the US State Department approved the sale of 220 non-nuclear cruise missiles to Australia worth $895m, which will be utilized by the Virginia-class submarines that Australia will receive from the US as part of the Aukus defense agreement signed by Australia, the UK, and the US.