Japan and Australia are considering joint production of missiles and drones, a move driven by the evolving geostrategic environment and concerns over U.S. stockpiles, according to Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles.

The Italian Ambassador to Canberra, Nicola Lener, met with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Richard Marles to review defense sector relations between Italy and Australia.

Defence Minister Richard Marles says the government would consider any request to participate in the conflict, but none had yet arrived.

Australia has made history by appointing Lieutenant General Susan Coyle, an officer with over three decades of service, as the first woman to lead its army. Defense Minister Richard Marles hailed the appointment as a 'historic moment'.