US intends to manufacture missiles for Ukraine in Australia

The Wall Street Journal reports.

It is noted that the American company Lockheed plans to hire six Australian engineers for training and launching production. This decision was made because the defense industry of the United States could not meet the demand and rapidly replenish stocks of missiles.

The statement mentioned that the rapid consumption of ammunition in Ukraine and the Middle East, ranging from missiles to artillery shells, had made it difficult for the U.S. industrial base to meet demand and replenish depleted stocks. It was noted that the Biden administration aimed to establish multiple production lines in allied countries for critical weaponry, acknowledging the challenge involved in doing so.

Meanwhile, Australian officials believe that the first batch of 12 GMLRS missiles will undergo testing by the end of 2025, with the country aiming to produce thousands of munitions annually by 2030.

Note: GMLRS missiles are manufactured by the American company Lockheed Martin. They are equipped with a satellite guidance system and can target objectives up to 80 km away.

• On March 1st, following a vote in Congress, Biden signed a bill temporarily extending funding for federal agencies to prevent a government shutdown.