Greens propose $4 billion for Australian missile production

The Australian Greens party has announced a new military policy aimed at enhancing local defense capabilities. They plan to invest $4 billion to produce drones and missiles in Australia. This funding would come from cancelling existing contracts with the United States, including the purchase of tanks and helicopters. For the first time, the Greens have produced a detailed plan for military spending focused on building domestic "defensive" weapons. The party's Defense spokesman, David Shoebridge, emphasized that this investment is crucial to establishing a self-reliant defense industry in Australia. They aim to use the saved funds to create uncrewed marine and aerial vehicles. The Greens have previously criticized the AUKUS submarine deal, which amounts to $368 billion. They view this new plan as a way to reduce dependence on U.S. military technology while contributing to national security. Shoebridge believes Australia should develop its own capacity to manufacture essential defensive equipment, drawing lessons from conflicts such as the Ukraine war. As the federal budget approaches, tensions have risen between the ruling Labor party and the opposition over military spending. The Greens are also preparing to propose a "climate army" to address natural disasters, although there are internal discussions about the defense policy's acceptance within the party. Some Labor members are joining the Greens in questioning the AUKUS partnership, arguing that it leads to unnecessary reliance on the United States.