Australia looks set to add another layer to its growing “porcupine” of defences amid increasing tensions from Beijing in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Defence Department has confirmed the government is considering the purchase of nearly $1 billion (US$700 million) worth of sea mines that will be deployed in the nation’s waters.
“Defence is accelerating the acquisition of smart sea mines, which will help to secure sea lines of communication and protect Australia’s maritime approaches,” the Defence Department told The Sydney Morning Herald in an exclusive report.
The sea mines being considered for acquisition can discriminate between military targets and civilian vessels. Further, they can be activated and deactivated to allow friendly ships to pass through a country’s sea passages….