The purchase includes SM-6 missiles, capable of destroying aircraft or cruise missiles, as well as medium-range SM-2 Block III C
OR Australia announced today a €4.3 billion deal to equip its navy with US missiles medium and long-range state-of-the-art technology.
The agreement was hailed as a “significant step” by Canberra, which in April unveiled its first national defense strategy, which emphasizes the Pacific Ocean and China’s alleged “coercive tactics” in the region.
The purchase includes SM-6 missiles, capable of destroying aircraft or cruise missiles, as well as medium-range SM-2 Block III C missiles, which have new guidance and self-guidance capabilities.
“Australia faces the most complex geostrategic environment since World War II,” Australian Industry and Defense Minister Pat Conroy commented during a visit to Washington.
These “state-of-the-art” missiles will “ensure the security of Australians, deter any adversary and defend Australia’s national interests in the missile age,” he added.
The purchase of US missiles shows the Australian armed forces’ intention to make their navy more “lethal”, Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has said.
In April, Australia announced a big increase in military spending.
In addition to rapidly increasing its surface ship fleet and capabilities, Australia plans to acquire nuclear-powered low-observability submarines under a trilateral agreement with the US and Britain, the AUKUS alliance.
Source :Skai
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