Australian defence review plots pivot from armour to missiles

[Social Media]

Australia will speed up efforts to buy longer range missiles to counter the growing threat from China, a major defence review says.

It warns the country can no longer be protected by its geographic isolation in the "missile age".

The government will spend some A$19bn ($12bn, £10bn) to deliver the report's immediate recommendations.

The 110-page study is described as the biggest overhaul of Australian defence since World War Two.

The Defence Strategic Review (DSR) comes amid increasing regional tension over China's stance towards Taiwan, which it has repeatedly vowed to take by force if necessary.

The Chinese navy has also established a major presence in the South China Sea, claiming parts of it as its own territory, contrary to international law.

[thaibeachlovers]

Problem with missiles is that they are very expensive and can be countered by various means.

IMO there needs to be a mix of defensive methods, not a reliance on one type.