Australia has accelerated plans to procure long-range strike missiles years ahead of schedule due to growing threats from Russia and China, AP reported.

Defense Minister Peter Dutton said the accelerated rearmament of fighters and warships would cost A$3.5 billion ($2.6 billion) and increase Australia's deterrence against potential adversaries.

According to the revised schedule, FA-18F Super Hornets will be armed with US-made advanced air-to-ground missiles by 2024, three years earlier than planned. JASSM-ER missiles will allow fighters to hit targets at a distance of 900 kilometers.

Australian ANZAC-class frigates and Hobart-class destroyers will be equipped with Norwegian-made Kongsberg NSM missiles by 2024, five years ahead of schedule.