The Australian government announced on Monday that it will purchase more than 200 Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States as part of its efforts to counter China's growing military power in the region.

The Australian Department of Defense welcomed this order, valued at $830 million, noting that it will provide the Australian Armed Forces with weapons that are "the most powerful and advanced in terms of technology".

Australia is currently working to enhance its armed forces, focusing on acquiring the capability to deliver long-range military strikes to deter potential adversaries like China.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles stated in a statement: "We are investing in the capabilities our defense forces need to keep adversaries away from our shores and ensure the safety of Australians in the complex and turbulent world we live in today."

The Royal Australian Navy's Hobart-class destroyers will be equipped with Tomahawk missiles that have a range of over one thousand kilometers.
These missiles will also be used by the nuclear-powered submarines that Australia will acquire under the AUKUS military pact between Canberra, London, and Washington.

Australian Defense Industries Minister Pat Conroy said, "As we enter what many are calling the Age of Missiles, these will represent essential tools for enabling the Australian defense forces to fulfill their mission of defending Australians."

Canberra announced in January that it accepted an offer from the United States to supply it with HIMARS rocket launchers, a mobile system particularly used by the Ukrainian army.

Recently, Washington announced its intention to assist Australia in developing its missile industry to ensure a reliable supply for its armed forces, whose stocks have been depleted due to the pressure that the war in Ukraine has placed on supply chains.

Conroy said, "We are buying these weapons now to rapidly enhance our capabilities, but we are also exploring options for local missile manufacturing, as it is important to establish sovereign capabilities for the defense industry in Australia."