"zalzon" wrote in message
news
Considering that indonesia can barely field a capable military and the
rest in SE asia have small militaries, who are these cruise missiles
directed against

Australia has required (and held) a capabilty to bomb Indonesia for decades,
it is considered a vital part of Australias defence capacity (the F-111 spec
was for an a/c that could reach Jakarta carrying nukes) given Indonesia
instability.

The F-111 is going to be phased out around 2010, the cruise missiles are
going to replace that capability.


China perhaps? Could it be in response to countries in the region buying
Su-27/30 long range strike planes?


Nope, Indonesia as above.

My guess is that US arms merchants are looking to do brisk business in SE
Asia but not finding any opportunities. So get australia to start an arms
race in the region (?)

Conspirowhacko nonsense. see above.

Also, what would be in it for Aust? we don't want an arms race in our back
yard, we just need an ability to keep the Indon military from trying to make
Aust their external distraction next time they try to take over their Govt.