SHOALWATER BAY: The United States and Australia rehearsed missile strikes during war games on Saturday as Australia overhauls its army strategy in favor of long-range weapons.
AFP reported that a series of live-fire exercises were conducted at the Shoalwater Bay army complex in the Queensland region, showcasing the US-made HIMARS missile system recently sold to the Defence Force of Australia.
Australia, US Conduct Military Drills
As per media reports, over 30,000 troops will participate in the exercises over the upcoming two weeks, including soldiers from Germany, Japan, South Korea, and France.
The exercises come as the Australian side embarks upon a major overhaul of its military, pivoting towards long-range strike abilities in an effort to keep would-be rivals such as Beijing at arm’s length.
Australian Army official Major Tony Purdy said the HIMARS arms — used to overwhelming effect by the Ukrainian army — would “provide an important capability boost” and much-needed “long-range accuracy.”
