Australia is prepared to spend upwards of US$770 million (A$1 billion) to develop indigenous long-range anti-ship missiles and lightweight torpedoes as it adds more military muscle to combat future aggression close to its shores by China.
The huge defense spending package announced Monday by the government of Prime Minister Scott Morrison will modernize the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) with the weapons it needs to project and maintain sea control against China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).
The outlay will go to providing RAN with long-range anti-ship missiles, extended range surface-to-air missiles, advanced lightweight torpedoes and maritime land-attack capabilities.
Australia wants its future anti-ship and surface-to-air missiles to be capable of finding and destroying PLAN warships at ranges in excess of 370 kilometers. The new maritime land strike missiles should be able to reach out to 1,500 km.
These weapons systems, which are currently in the United States' arsenal, will enhance RAN's ability to protect Australia's maritime resources and borders by threatening the destruction of PLAN warships at very long range.
Minister for Defense Linda Reynolds said the new weapons will arm the current and future RAN submarine and surface combatant fleets. The long-range weapons with give the Australian Defense Force (ADF) more options as it fights to protect Australia’s interests.
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“These new capabilities will provide a strong, credible deterrent that will ensure stability and security in the region,” according to Reynolds. “The planned acquisitions –- when aligned with the ongoing state-of-the-art combat system development and national shipbuilding programs –- represent an investment of up to A$24 billion, which will build a lethal and highly responsive Navy for decades to come."
She said the weapons' acquisition project also seeks opportunities to broaden Australia’s weapons manufacturing base, thereby reinforcing the government’s long-term commitment to Australian industry and delivering sovereign industrial capabilities.
“This investment is part of the Morrison government’s A$183 billion Naval Shipbuilding Plan, which will see up to 23 classes of vessels built here in Australia, creating thousands of jobs and significant opportunities for Australian industry.”
The defense ministry will continue its long-term investment and key contribution to the Evolved SeaSparrow Block 2 missile program developed by the United States. It will also invest in developing the Standard Missile 2 Block IIIC surface-to-air missile and the Standard Missile 6 Block 1 to meet Australia’s long-range air defense requirements. (Jan. 26, 2021)
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