The Australian government is investing up to $2.12 billion in additional stocks of advanced medium-range missiles to strengthen the Australian Defence Force’s air defence and aerial strike capability. These AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 missiles can precisely strike targets at extended range, providing a significant deterrence to potential adversaries. Enhancing the ADF’s strike capability is a key priority of the 2024 National Defence Strategy.
The AIM-120D-3 variant is a supersonic air-launched tactical missile, used on the F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft as well as the F-35A Lightning II aircraft. It is designed to counter threats at extended ranges. The AIM-120C-8 variant is launched using the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS), and is being brought into service by the Army’s new 10th Brigade and will significantly boost ground-to-air capability against aerial targets. The government is acquiring these missiles through the United States Government’s Foreign Military Sales Program.
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said: “This is a major investment in the security of our nation and underscores the Albanese Government’s commitment to providing the ADF with the capabilities it needs to keep Australians safe. The ADF’s credible strike and long-range capabilities support our strategy of denial, which aims to deter any conflict before it begins. These additional missiles will help to ensure the ADF’s ability to protect Australians against aerial threats.”
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Excellent news but when will the promised and oft repeated promise of the GWEO begin to bring the sovereignty that Australia needs or do we have to wait until the U.S. says it’s okay. Sth Korea has stated that it is more than willing to help us get moving but nobody in the DoD or Government has the balls to do anything other than what the U.S. Defence Industry advocates tell them.
The Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Group are far too busy producing cookbooks.
See today’s Australian – Taste of Harmony cookbook.
Funny how when the Government is copping it in the media for a lack of support to Defence they announce the above purchase; however, anyone with any interest in Defence would have noticed the US announcement in April. It is one thing to make a grand announcement; however, with all the dithering from the current Government, how far down the pecking order are we now in receiving the weaponry? I would have no doubt preference would be given to other nations demonstrating a firmer commitment to Defence and Security.
All FMS purchases are managed by the State Department – and, yes, the US definitely plays favourites with delivery schedules.
So true because Australia is weak….
But to whom this will be used 🤔 i don’t appear to find any local threat for Australia
The obvious threat is communist China. In any case, it reckless and ignorant to wait for another threat to emerge; by then it is too late to arm up. Way too late.
Will albaneses kids and other politions families be called up in case of any war with China or will it be like in the Vietnam war ,or do we expect American kids to go to war to protect us australians .