Australia accelerates missile buys, selects partners for sovereign capability
The Royal Australian Navy will begin arming its frigates and destroyers with the NSM in two years’ time. (US DoD)
Australia plans to buy new missiles on an accelerated basis and has selected two strategic industry partners to help deliver the nation’s Sovereign Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise.
Canberra made the two significant announcements relating to missiles on 5 April.
First off, Defence Minister Peter Dutton revealed that three types of weapons would be procured at a total cost of $A3.5 billion ($2.64 billion), much earlier than initially planned.
Namely, these are the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile Extended Range (JASSM-ER) for the Royal Australian Air Force; the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) for the Royal Australian Navy surface fleet; and maritime mines.
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees
The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
-
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
-
Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft
US services have already conducted multiple tests with military maritime systems fitted with the system.
-
OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”
Europe’s Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) “has to establish itself…as a centre of excellence for cooperative Defence Equipment Programmes” in the face of growing threats and the need for rearmament, according to the organisation’s chairman.
-
MBDA CEO emphasises “moment of truth” for Europe as company sees €37 billion backlog
MBDA CEO Éric Béranger stressed the company’s role supporting European countries with complex weapon systems and focused on boosting production against the backdrop of “shifting” geopolitical alliances.