Australia faces the most uncertain times since the Second World War. While in office, the Coalition recognised that the strategic circumstances required a priority investment in strike capability and missile defence.
Decisions were made to set in train the legal and engineering works required as the first steps in procuring three key types of naval missiles: the Tomahawk, the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and the Standard Missile-6 (SM-6).
As Defence officials highlighted during Estimates late last year, the acquisition of such advanced capabilities is a lengthy process requiring technical upgrades to the ships involved.
Following successful modifications and test firings, these missiles are now being delivered and will drastically improve the deterrence and lethality of the Royal Australian Navy.
The procurement of the Tomahawk cruise missile by Australia was first announced by the former Coalition Government as a part of the AUKUS announcement in September 2021. The Naval Strike Missile (NSM) acquisition was announced by then Defence Minister Peter Dutton in April 2022.
As highlighted in Estimates, the SM-6 missiles are also the result of decisions by former Coalition Defence Ministers. It is pleasing to see these programs come to fruition following these successful milestone launches.
The Coalition recognised the need for enhanced missile capability, and we acted to ensure that this was delivered.
Read more about the Coalition’s plan to get Australia’s Defence and National Security back on track.