AFP: US to establish permanent weapons depot in Australia to counter China's military expansion

(AFP, Sydney, 16th – comprehensive foreign news report) According to tender documents and confirmation from officials to AFP, the US military is planning to establish a permanent prepositioned weapons and equipment storage facility for US Marines on Australia's southeastern coast, beyond the range of most Chinese missiles.

AFP reports that analysts say the US is keen to leverage Australia's strategic location in the South Pacific to counter China's rapid military expansion. This will be the first such storage facility for US Marines in Australia.

The US Marine Corps has maintained global prepositioning of military supplies since the Cold War, including floating storage on ships and underground depots in Norwegian caves stocked with weapons, ammunition, and vehicles for thousands of troops.

The first land-based prepositioning site in the Asia-Pacific region is expected to become operational this year in the Philippines, near potential flashpoints in the South China Sea.

Documents released by the US Navy this month show active planning for a larger-scale storage facility in Australia, with a budget of USD 30 million already allocated to construct warehouses and offices in Victoria's southeastern region for 'critical forward logistics'.

The documents indicate that the storage facility, expected to be fully equipped by 2028, will initially be housed in Melbourne before relocating next year to a newly built US military warehouse facility at Bandiana, a rural military base in Victoria.

Australia and the US share a security alliance, and the types of US military personnel rotating through Australian defense bases are increasing. However, the issue of foreign military bases on Australian soil remains politically sensitive.

The documents show the US Navy is engaging a global defense contractor to hire approximately 110 engineers, technicians, and materials and security specialists to manage the Australian weapons stockpile, including 'crew-served weapons'.

A spokesperson for US Marine Corps Forces Pacific told AFP: 'Marine Corps activities in Australia support global integrated logistics by maintaining the ability to rapidly issue equipment and supplies for operations and exercises in the Indo-Pacific region.'

Contract arrangements and facility operations will be closely coordinated with the Australian Department of Defence.

The spokesperson added: 'These activities enhance responsiveness, strengthen operational interoperability with allies and partners, and support various missions across the Indo-Pacific region.' (Translation: Ho Hung-Ju) 1150616