The Albanese government has secured a $7 billion deal with the United States to bolster Australia’s naval capabilities by equipping the fleet with hundreds of advanced long-range missiles. The agreement, finalized after talks between Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy and US Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro in Washington, will supply the Australian Navy with cutting-edge Standard Missile 2 (SM-2) and Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) systems.
The deal is part of Australia’s broader effort to enhance its defense capabilities in response to growing global tensions, particularly as China ramps up its missile arsenal. Congressional approval for the sale was granted in May, allowing for the rapid acquisition of these high-tech weapons under Australia’s $30 billion National Defence Strategy, which emphasizes off-the-shelf purchases of foreign-made weapons when domestic production is not viable.
The SM-2 and SM-6, regarded as some of the most advanced air and missile defense systems globally, will be deployed on Australia’s Hobart-class destroyers and the future Hunter-class frigates. These missiles bring substantial upgrades to the Navy’s ability to defend against a variety of missile threats, with the SM-6 offering extended-range air defense, offensive anti-ship capabilities, and, for the first time, ballistic missile defense.
The move follows a successful test firing of an SM-6 missile from HMAS Sydney, underscoring the Australian Navy’s preparedness to integrate these systems into its fleet. The new acquisition complements existing missile capabilities, such as the ESSM Block 2 and Naval Strike Missile, forming a layered defense strategy for Australia’s surface combat fleet.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles emphasized the importance of the acquisition in strengthening Australia’s defense posture: “This is another example of the Albanese Government accelerating the acquisition of critical capabilities for the Australian Defence Force and enhancing the lethality of the Navy’s surface combatant fleet.”
Minister Pat Conroy highlighted the strategic necessity of the deal, stating: “Our investment in these world-leading, high-tech missiles is another example of the Albanese Government moving fast to keep Australians safe, deter any adversary, and defend Australia’s national interests in the missile age.”
The SM-2 and SM-6 systems, with ranges of up to 370 kilometers, will be fitted to the Hobart-class destroyers, which house 48 missile launch tubes each, and the upcoming Hunter-class frigates, which will be equipped with 32 launch tubes. This acquisition marks a significant step in Australia’s effort to rapidly upgrade its defense capabilities, with a focus on long-range strike and missile defense.
