U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated on Saturday that "the United States will assist Australia in producing multiple-launch guided missile systems by 2025," following commitments from senior officials in both countries to engage with China, while also expressing opposition if necessary. Austin is currently in Queensland, Australia, alongside U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, attending the annual U.S.-Australia ministerial dialogue with their Australian counterparts.
During a press conference, Austin said: "We are looking to launch several mutually beneficial initiatives with the Australian defense sector, which includes a commitment to assist Australia in manufacturing multiple-launch guided missile systems by 2025." He added, "The United States is also working to expedite Australia’s access to prioritized munitions through a streamlined process."
This is the first time Australia has hosted the meeting since 2019, which was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles expressed, "We are really pleased with the steps we are taking regarding establishing a project for guided weapons and munitions in this country." He hopes to start manufacturing missiles in Australia within two years as part of a comprehensive industrial base between the two countries. Marles pointed out that there will be "an increase in the frequency of visits by U.S. nuclear-powered submarines to our waters," as part of the bilateral cooperation.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted that "the joint commitment to keeping the Indo-Pacific region free and open was at the forefront of high-level talks held on Saturday with Australia." He added, "The two countries advocate for the rules-based international order that has ensured peace and security for decades." He continued, "Part of what we are doing involves engaging with China, but also, as necessary, we can oppose its efforts to disrupt navigation in the South and East China Seas to alter the status quo that maintains peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and to pressure countries through economic intimidation."
After two days of talks that concluded on Saturday, Marles and Austin were scheduled to travel to northern Queensland, where the Australian and U.S. militaries participate in the Talisman Sabre military exercises alongside 11 other countries. However, these exercises were suspended following the crash of an Australian helicopter into the ocean and concerns about the possibility of fatalities among the four crew members aboard.
