Australia intends to buy 200 Tomahawk cruise missiles from America to enhance its defense capabilities
Australia announced today, Monday, its intention to buy long-range missiles from the United States, in a move within Canberra's efforts to confront the rising military power of China.
The Australian Ministry of Defense said that the deal to be signed with the United States relates to the purchase of 200 Tomahawk cruise missiles at a cost of $830 million for the Royal Australian Navy, and that the missiles will be the most powerful and technologically advanced weapon in the country's military arsenal.
This deal would make Australia the third country to possess this type of missile with a range of more than 1,000 km, along with the United States and Britain. The Australian government has also approved the purchase of more than 60 long-range anti-radar missiles.
The Tomahawk cruise missiles will be carried aboard the Hobart-class destroyers of the Australian Navy, and the nuclear-powered submarines that Australia had obtained under the historic Okus agreement that Australia signed in September 2021 with both the United States and Britain, which To supply Canberra with nuclear powered submarine technology.
In a statement in this regard, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marlis said, "Long-range offensive missiles and other guided weapons are very important in the modern age of geopolitical turbulence and risks."
"We are investing in the capabilities our defense forces need to keep our adversaries at risk, far from our shores, and to keep Australians safe in today's complex and uncertain world," the minister said in a statement on Monday.
"As we enter what many call the missile age, these (missiles) will be vital tools for the Australian Defense Force to do its job in defending Australians," Australian Industry Minister Pat Conroy said. Conroy indicated that his country intends to build its local capabilities in the field of missile manufacturing.
The Tomahawk cruise missiles are long-range and can be launched from submarines or surface ships. They are 6.4 meters long and 53 centimeters in diameter.
Also, "cruise" or "mobile missiles" are characterized by amazing accuracy, and they have more than one model, and their selection and performance depend on the type of mission, not the length of the range. They can also be launched from sea, land, or air, and fly at low altitudes, which reduces the chance of detectable by radar.