Australian Department of Defence announcements and press releases

Australia's A$7 Billion Purchase of SM-2 IIIC and SM-6 Missiles Marks 'Greatest Arms Race' Since WWII

Oct 22, 2024, 10:31 AM

Australia has announced plans to purchase US missiles worth up to A$7 billion (approximately $4.68 billion USD) to strengthen its long-range strike capabilities amid growing regional tensions. Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy unveiled the agreement in Washington, stating that the procurement of SM-2 IIIC and SM-6 missiles would revolutionize Australia's defense system to counter China's recent investments in anti-ship ballistic missile technologies. The Standard Missile defense services Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case was approved in 2021, setting the stage for a Letter of Request for the procurement. Conroy warned of 'the greatest arms race' in the region since World War II and described the missiles as 'the most advanced air and missile defence weapons in the world', emphasizing the need for Australia to enhance its defense capabilities.