Australia has locked in a deal to buy potent long-range weapons from the United States, officials said Monday, as the country looks to counter China's rising military power.
The cache of more than 200 Tomahawk cruise missiles — costing $830 million — would be some of the "most powerful and technologically advanced" weapons in Australia's arsenal, the country's Defence Department said.
Australia is embarking on a major military overhaul, pivoting toward long-range strike capabilities in an effort to keep would-be foes such as China at arms length.