$1 billion for early development of advanced guided missiles

The government announced today it would invest $1 billion to commence the early development of advanced guided weapons to enhance Australia’s maritime security.

FILE PHOTO: HMAS Hobart fires an SM2 missile. Photo by Chief Petty Officer Cameron Martin.

Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said this significant commitment would modernise the Navy’s platforms to project and maintain sea control.

“This project will provide Navy with leading-edge long-range anti-ship missiles, extended range surface-to-air missiles, advanced light weight torpedoes, and maritime land strike capabilities,” Minister Reynolds said.

“With ranges in excess of 370 kilometres for anti-ship and surface-to-air missiles, and 1500 kilometres for maritime land strike missiles, these new weapons will enhance the protection of our maritime resources and borders, and hold adversaries at risk at much greater distances.

“This new investments will be made across the current and future submarine and surface-combatant fleets, to provide the Australian Defence Force with more options to protect Australia’s interests.

“These new capabilities will provide a strong, credible deterrent that will ensure stability and security in the region.

“The project also seeks opportunities to broaden Australia’s weapons manufacturing base, reinforcing our long-term commitment to Australian industry and delivering sovereign capabilities.

As part of SEA 1300, Defence will continue its long-term investment and key contribution to the Evolved Sea Sparrow Block 2 missile program, and commence investment in developing the Standard Missile 2 Block IIIC and the Standard Missile 6 Block 1, to meet Australia’s surface-to-air missile capability requirements.

 


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Posted by Brian Hartigan

Managing Editor Contact Publishing Pty Ltd PO Box 3091 Minnamurra NSW 2533 AUSTRALIA

6 thoughts on “$1 billion for early development of advanced guided missiles

  • 07/02/2021 at 6:00 pm
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    Currently Exercise Pitch Black is held every second year in Darwin and next due in 2022; wonder is it possible to conduct the Exercise based around other State capitals /Regional major cities.
    Would be good for other communities to see such a range of military capability in action.
    Might also help educate the community on the realities of our region and build local support for the ADF.
    Could also be linked in with an RAN exercise.
    Please consider!

    Reply
    • 07/02/2021 at 6:13 pm
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      I could remember a long time ago when the RAAF would put on regular air shows at Richmond and RAN would have open ship weekends at garden island. As a kid me and my friends loved it. I am sure it also helped with recruiting, why is this hardly ever done anymore?

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    • 07/02/2021 at 7:39 pm
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      Excellent suggestion Blue Leader – the public of Australia is growing tired of pumping millions of dollars into defence projects and never seeing anything for it. Educating the community in the dangerous realities of the region would make many of them realize that the ADF does need public support.
      Speaking of the RAN and exercises – future submarines is one such worrying fiasco in the making. If we scrapped the current Naval Group (ex DCNS France) project and went with the nuclear powered, US Sea Wolf boats then we would not only have our submarines earlier than planned, we would have boats that have been operationally proven, and that can also fire advanced guided missiles, and are interoperable with our allies.
      Keep up the great suggestions Blue Leader.

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    • 08/02/2021 at 8:36 am
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      I think they hold them in the NT as it’s much quieter airspace

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  • 07/02/2021 at 3:28 pm
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    So…ANZAC class as well as the AWD?
    If so…sounds like they may extend the life of the ANZAC vessels.

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    • 08/02/2021 at 8:37 am
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      I don’t think it will extend the ANZACs but it’s pretty telling that they would invest in a platform that is being phased out. I think it is due to the rising issues with China

      Reply

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