Australia says $4.7 billion long-range missile deal to boost deterrence

22/10/2024 12:03

        Australia said on Tuesday it would bolster air and missile defence in a A$7 billion deal with the United States to acquire long-range missiles for its navy.
        
        The Australian navy test-fired the Raytheon SM-6 missile from a ship in August during exercises with the United States in Hawaii.
        
        The SM-6 is the most advanced naval air defence missile in the U.S. arsenal, including against ballistic missiles, and has also been tested for striking ships and ground targets, and in air-to-air scenarios.
        
        Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said the SM-6 will be deployed across the navy's Hobart class destroyers and future Hunter class frigates.
        
        Australia said last year it will prioritise long-range precision strike capability and hardening its northern bases in the country's biggest defence shake-up since World War Two, after a review found that intense competition between the U.S. and China was defining the region, and that the major power competition had "potential for conflict".