Australia Confirms The Purchase Of Naval Strike Missiles: Increase The Reach Of Warship Missiles, Change Harpoons In 2024

Illustration of the launch of Naval Strike Missile from USS Coronado (LCS-4). (Wikimedia Commons/US Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nona D. Bell)

Australia on Thursday confirmed the purchase of advanced missile and rocket systems to strengthen its defenses, as a precaution against potential regional threats to its security.

The purchase of Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), has been in the works since last spring, when then-Defense Minister Peter Dutton said war in Ukraine and threats from China made Australia necessary to improve its defense weapons system.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Richard Marles reiterated this, in a Thursday statement about the two deals that cost Australia 1 billion Australian dollars.

"The government of PM Albanese is taking a proactive approach to keeping Australia safe. Naval Strike Missiles and HIMARS launchers will provide our defense force, the ability to prevent conflict and protect our interests," said Marles, quoted by CNN January 6.

"The level of technology involved in this acquisition brings our troops to advanced modern military hardware," Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy said.

The HIMARS, which was also sent by the US to Ukraine, was able to make a huge difference on the battlefield against Russia's invasion. The US approved sales to Australia in May last year, including US$385 million worth of supporting equipment.

However, the system is based on land and can only be in the Kangaroo Country's arsenal in 2026-2027.

Meanwhile, Norway's Naval Strike Missiles may be more relevant in the short term to Australian defense forces.

A maneuverable marine cruiser weapon will be deployed on Australian Navy destroyers and frigates. With a range of 185 kilometers (115 miles), it will more than double the current missile range on Australian ships, the Australian Ministry of Defense said in a statement last April, when it first announced the purchase.

Thursday's statement said Naval Strike Missile would begin replacing the Harpoon missiles on Australian warships by 2024

Separately, some Australian military analysts said Thursday's announcement was largely due to political reasons, as both had been announced by my previous right-handed government.

"I assume there is a deeper political message to show that a new left-handed government is interested in defense spending," said Peter Layton, visiting researcher at the Griffith Asia Institute and former Australian Air Force officer.