The Australian Government has approved the accelerated acquisition of improved weapon capabilities for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) at a total cost of $3.5 billion.
The country’s Minister of Defence Peter Dutton has revealed that defence will accelerate the acquisition of:
According to Dutton, the acquisition of the Kongsberg NSM to replace the Harpoon anti-ship missile in the Anzac-class frigates and Hobart-class destroyers will provide a significant enhancement to Australia’s maritime strike capability – more than doubling the current maritime strike range of the frigates and destroyers.
“These world-class strike weapon systems will equip our forces to better protect Australia’s maritime approaches and when necessary, contribute to Coalition operations in our region,” he noted.
Starting in 2024, Anzac-class frigates and Hobart-class destroyers will have the NSM capability installed.
“ The combination of NSM and previously announced Tomahawk cruise missiles is “the best mix of capability to meet Australia’s needs,” according to Dutton.
Australian Anzac-class frigates went through upgrade programs, including the Midlife Capability Upgrade Program. Under the $2 billion program, the improvements were carried out on the vessels’ engines, propulsion, lighting, heating, cooling and communications systems, torpedo self-defence, and Nulka enhancements.
Recently, the frigates were also upgraded with new advanced radar systems.
Earlier on, the Australian Government announced that it will invest up to $5.1 billion in upgrades for the Hobart-class destroyers.