Australia decides to purchase Tomahawk | USA | Australia
According to a statement released by the Australian Department of Defense on August 21, the Australian government has decided to invest AUD 1.3 billion to purchase over 200 Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States to enhance the Navy's long-range strike capabilities.
According to Reuters on the 21st, Australia will purchase over 200 Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States. The Australian side stated that Australia will become the third country, after the United States and the United Kingdom, to possess Tomahawk cruise missiles. According to reports, this batch of Tomahawk missiles will be deployed on the active Hobart class destroyers of the Royal Australian Navy, as well as on future Virginia class nuclear submarines delivered by the United States to Australia. Australian Defense Minister Mars stated that in addition to the Tomahawk cruise missile, Australia will also spend AUD 431 million to purchase over 60 advanced anti radiation guided missiles from the United States.
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In March of this year, the US State Department approved the sale of 220 Tomahawk cruise missiles to Australia, but did not indicate that the contract had been signed or negotiations had ended. The Australian side stated that these Tomahawk cruise missiles will serve as a deterrent to potential opponents. Regarding the news that the US has approved the sale of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Australia, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that any defense and security cooperation between countries should be conducive to regional peace and stability, and should not target or harm the interests of third parties. A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out that the relevant measures exacerbate regional tensions, seriously undermine regional peace and stability, and may trigger a regional arms race. China urges relevant parties to abandon outdated Cold War zero sum thinking and narrow geopolitical concepts.