Defense experts warn that plans to spend more than $300 million of taxpayer money on a factory capable of producing 4,000 missiles a year risk coming two years too late for a potential confrontation with China at about Taiwan.

Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy defended the delay as he unveiled the centerpiece of the government’s commitment to mass-produce missiles locally as part of an effort to make Australia more self-sufficient and increase its munitions stockpiles, while also giving the United States and other allies an alternative source of supply.

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