“The US military is planning a permanent war-ready weapons stockpile for its marine corps on Australia’s southeast coast beyond the range of most Chinese missiles, tender documents show and officials confirmed to the Agence France-Presse news agency (AFP).”
“The first land stockpile in the Asia-Pacific region is expected to open this year in the Philippines, close to potential flashpoints in the South China Sea.”
“Documents published by the US navy this month show advanced planning for an even larger Australian stockpile, with US$30 million ($42.4M) allocated to build warehouses and offices in southeastern Victoria state for ‘critical forward provisioning’.”
“The Australian stockpile, expected to reach full capacity by 2028, will be kept in Melbourne before being moved to US warehouses to be constructed next year at an Australian military base at Bandiana in rural Victoria, tender documents show.”
“Contracting arrangements and the operation of the facility would be made in close coordination with Australia’s Department of Defence.”
“The Pentagon has asked Congress for $500 million next year to improve prepositioning of equipment and fuel across the Asia-Pacific…”