Australia announced this week it was buying $4.7 billion in American-made SM-2 and SM-6 missiles — two of the world’s most advanced air defense interceptors — in a colossal foreign military sale.

Australia said on Tuesday it would bolster air and missile defence in a A$7 billion ($4.7 billion) deal with the United States to acquire SM-2 IIIC and SM-6 long-range missiles for its navy.

As Australia strengthens its defence capabilities with US missile systems, China may seize the opportunity to further arm itself in response to perceived threats

Australia’s naval fleet will be armed with the world’s best long-range missiles under a $7bn deal with the United States.

The plan to acquire the Raytheon-made SM2 IIIC and SM6 type missiles was announced as part of a ministerial visit to Washington. It follows the signing of the Aukus alliance with the US and UK and an overhaul of Australia’s naval force designed to adapt to China’s military buildup.

Australia will buy US missiles at a cost of A$7 billion ($4.7 billion) to boost its long-range strike capabilities, with Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy warning of “the greatest arms race” in the region since 1945.

Pacific, Canberra is set to spend nearly $5 billion on a series of cutting-edge medium and long-range missiles from the US.

Australia has announced a major investment of $4.68 billion (A$7 billion) to acquire SM-2 and SM-6 anti-aircraft missiles for its Navy, according to a report by Breaking Defense. "The Standard Missile 6 and Standard Missile 2 Block IIIC will enable our Navy to strike long-range sea,