ALBAWABA - As part of its military plan to strengthen naval capabilities, Australia has announced a $4.7 billion (AU$7 billion) agreement to purchase cutting-edge medium- and long-range missile systems from the United States.
This coincides with escalating geopolitical tensions in the Asia-Pacific area, as reported by AFP, where major powers, especially the United States and China, are engaging in more intense strategic rivalry.
According to Australian authorities, the deal represents a "significant milestone" that involves the purchase of the SM-2 Block IIIC and SM-6 shipborne missiles. The U.S. arsenal's most sophisticated naval air defense missile, the SM-6, can fight ballistic threats, cruise missiles, and airplanes.
For medium-range combat, the SM-2 IIIC missile has improved homing and guiding capabilities. Australia's Hobart-class destroyers will be equipped with these weapons, and they will eventually be incorporated into the next generation of Hunter-class naval vessels.
Pat Conroy, Australia's Minister for Defence Industry, highlighted the urgent need for improved defences, pointing to the country's “most complex geo-strategic environment since World War II,” adding that the advanced missiles would “keep Australians safe, deter any adversary, and defend Australia's national interests in the missile age.”
Under the terms of the AUKUS agreement with the United States and the United Kingdom, Australia has committed to a major increase in military expenditure and has plans to deploy nuclear-powered submarines as part of Australia's broader defense policy, revealed in April, according to AFP.
According to Defence Minister Richard Marles, the missile procurement would increase Australia's navy's “lethality” by allowing attacks on air, land, and marine targets while providing strong missile defence capabilities, Reuters reports.
