Federal Government Secures Advanced Weaponry Amid Regional Tensions
The Australian federal government is set to spend $7 billion on long-range missiles for the Navy, securing a significant deal with the United States. This acquisition follows the successful test of the SM6 missile fired by Australia near Hawaii earlier this year, marking Australia as the first nation outside the U.S. to utilize this advanced weaponry.
Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy announced the purchase during a visit to Washington, highlighting its importance amid rising strategic uncertainties in the region. This funding is part of a broader $330 billion defense budget allocated over the next decade, responding to lessons learned from conflicts like the situation in Ukraine.
While specific delivery timelines remain undisclosed, the missiles are expected to be integrated into the Navy’s Hobart-class destroyers and later into the new Hunter-class frigates, set to enter service in the early 2030s.