[WORLD] Australia confirmed on Tuesday a $4.7 billion deal to outfit its navy with cutting-edge US medium and long-range missiles, amidst fast rising military tensions in the Asia-Pacific.
Canberra hails the deal as an important milestone, as it retools Australia's naval capabilities in accordance with a new policy launched this year to resist China's coercive methods in the region.
The decision to acquire these advanced missile systems comes at a time of increasing geopolitical uncertainty in the Indo-Pacific region. China's growing military presence and assertive behavior in the South China Sea have raised concerns among neighboring countries and their allies. Australia's move to bolster its naval capabilities is seen as a strategic response to these evolving security challenges, aimed at maintaining regional stability and protecting its national interests.
Australia said that it would spend A$7 billion (US$4.7 billion) to acquire the ship-borne SM-6 missile, which can hit aircraft and cruise missiles, as well as the medium-range SM-2 Block III C missile with additional guidance and homing capabilities.
Pat Conroy, Australia's minister for defence industry, stated during a visit to Washington that the country faces the most complicated geostrategic environment since World War II.
He stated that the world's leading missiles will keep Australians safe, deter any aggressor, and safeguard Australia's national interests in the missile age.
The acquisition of these advanced missile systems is expected to significantly enhance Australia's maritime defense capabilities. The SM-6 missile, in particular, is known for its versatility and ability to engage multiple types of threats, including ballistic missiles in their terminal phase. This multi-mission capability aligns with Australia's strategy to develop a more flexible and responsive naval force, capable of addressing a wide range of potential security scenarios in the region.
The missiles will be gradually deployed throughout Australia's three Hobart class destroyers, followed by the country's planned Hunter class anti-submarine frigates, the government said.
In April, Australia announced a military policy that called for a significant increase in defence spending to mitigate its susceptibility to foes disrupting trade or restricting access to critical air and sea routes.
The decision to equip both existing and future naval vessels with these advanced missile systems underscores Australia's commitment to long-term defense modernization. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance interoperability with key allies, particularly the United States, and to ensure that Australia's naval forces remain at the forefront of technological advancement. The integration of these missiles is expected to be a complex process, requiring significant training and infrastructure upgrades to fully leverage their capabilities.
In addition to quickly growing its surface fleet, Australia intends to deploy stealthy nuclear-powered submarines under the Aukus treaty, which it has signed with the United States and Britain.
Defence Minister Richard Marles said the new US missiles indicate the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) desire to increase the lethality of its navy. They will allow our Navy to hit maritime, land, and air targets from a long distance, as well as provide terminal ballistic missile defence capability, enhancing the ADF's ability to protect Australians and their interests, he added.
The acquisition of these missile systems is not without controversy, however. Some analysts have raised concerns about the potential for an arms race in the region, while others question the cost-effectiveness of such a significant investment. Critics argue that diplomatic efforts should be prioritized over military buildup. Nevertheless, Australian officials maintain that these defensive capabilities are essential for safeguarding national security and contributing to regional stability in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
