An Australian warship has tested US Tomahawk cruise missileOfficials said Tuesday it marked a “major milestone” in the country's decade-long plan to strengthen its fleet in the face of an Asia-Pacific arms race.
The Australian government said in a statement that HMAS Brisbane fired the Tomahawk off the west coast of the United States on December 3. statementMaking it one of only three countries, along with the US and Britain, to acquire and field the missile.
“The Royal Australian Navy has achieved a major achievement in realizing an advanced and lethal surface combatant fleet,” it said.
With an extended range of up to 1,550 miles, the Tomahawk allows maritime platforms to conduct long-range precision strikes against land targets. It said the missile “significantly” enhances the Australian military's ability to respond to any potential threat.
The Navy issued a Video HMAS Brisbane tested several missiles including the Tomahawk.
Royal Australian Navy
Defense Minister Richard Marles said enhancing Australia's defense capabilities and working with partners would “change the calculus for any potential aggressor.”
The test-firing is in line with Australia's plan, announced earlier this year, to spend $7 billion to expand the navy to 26 major surface combatant ships – up from 11 today. .
Australia's Minister for Defense Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy, called the test-firing a “game-changer”.
“Tomahawk is the crown jewel and a step change in our firepower, deterrence capability and ability to attack land-based targets at ranges never before available to the Royal Australian Navy,” Conroy said.
Australia plans to buy more than 200 Tomahawk missiles to arm some of its warships.
The naval expansion plan comes at a time when China and other powers in the Asia-Pacific and beyond are increasing their firepower.
Last year, President Biden formally announced that Australia would buy nuclear powered attack submarines From the US, a partnership between the US, UK and Australia, Announced in 2021As a counterweight to China's military buildup, Australia was given access to nuclear-powered submarines, which are more stealthy and capable than conventionally powered ships.
While the Virginia-class submarines will be nuclear-powered, they will not be armed with nuclear weapons and will instead be expected to carry long-range cruise missiles.