Australia has become only the third country in the world to acquire and fire a Tomahawk cruise missile. HMAS Brisbane fired a Tomahawk missile during a test and evaluation activity conducted off the west coast of the United States.
The firing is part of a broader initiative to enhance the ADF’s long-range strike capabilities, as outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy. With an extended range of up to 2,500km allows ships to perform long-range precision strike against land targets.
Defence Minister Richard Marles said the test was a critical step in ensuring the ADF’s readiness to confront strategic challenges.
“The enhanced lethality of Navy’s surface combatant fleet is vital to ensuring the ADF is equipped to meet our strategic circumstances and keep Australians safe…The successful test firing of the Tomahawk missile demonstrates the strength of our alliance and defence cooperation with the United States, in support of a peaceful, stable and prosperous region. By enhancing our own Defence capabilities, and by working with partners, we change the calculus for any potential aggressor so that no state will ever conclude the benefits of conflict outweigh the risks.”
Australia is one of only three nations alongside the US and UK to acquire, and now fire, these missiles. The Tomahawk firing follows the firings of the Naval Strike Missile and Standard Missile 6 earlier this year and represents the Government’s commitment to enhance the lethality of Navy’s surface combatant fleet.
Australia will acquire more than 200 Tomahawk missiles, which will be deployed in its Hobart-class destroyers and future Navy platforms, including Virginia-class submarines and potentially Hunter-class frigates.
Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Minister Pat Conroy said the missiles would be a transformative addition to the fleet.
“The Tomahawk is the jewel in the crown and a step change in our firepower, deterrence and ability to strike land-based targets at ranges never before available to the Royal Australian Navy. The acquisition of Tomahawks, along with Naval Strike Missile and Standard Missile 6, is a game-changer for our ADF and comes years ahead of what was previously planned.”
A video bout the firing can be viewed at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1PKUlXQ4b4
Source: ADF
