US military to build war-ready stockpile in Australia

The US military is planning to establish a permanent war-ready weapons stockpile for its Marine Corps on Australia's southeast coast, according to tender documents and officials. This initiative, a first for the Marine Corps in Australia, is strategically positioned to be beyond the range of most Chinese missiles and aims to counter China's growing military presence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Advanced planning includes $30 million allocated for warehouses and offices in southeastern Victoria state, with the facility expected to reach full capacity by 2028. The US Navy is seeking a defense contractor to employ specialists to manage the stockpile, which will include "crew-served weapons". This development comes as the US seeks to leverage Australia's strategic location and enhance its military readiness in the region.

Analysts suggest the location is a deliberate consideration given China's missile capabilities. Sam Roggeveen of the Lowy Institute noted that the placement likely aims to mitigate risks from potential Chinese strikes. He also highlighted that increasing US military presence and equipment in Australia signifies a significant shift in Australian policy, aligning the country more closely with American strategic objectives.

John Blaxland, a professor at the Australian National University, commented that Australia's location is gaining importance due to concerns over the vulnerability of US military bases on Guam. He indicated that facilitating greater US investment in Australian real estate is seen as a prudent approach to bolster regional security amid heightened competition in the Indo-Pacific.