An Australian warship has tested US Tomahawk cruise missileOfficials said Tuesday it marked a “major milestone” in the country’s decade-old plan to strengthen its fleet in the face of the Asia-Pacific arms race.
HMAS Brisbane fired Tomahawks off the west coast of the United States on 3 December, the Australian government noted in a statementMaking it one of only three countries, along with the United States and Britain, to receive and fire the missile.
It noted, “The Royal Australian Navy has achieved a major milestone in realizing an advanced and lethal surface combatant fleet.”
With a long range of up to 1,550 miles, Tomahawk allows maritime platforms to accomplish long-range precision strikes against land targets. It said the missile “significantly” complements the Australian military’s ability to deter against any potential threats.
Army spared one Video HMAS Brisbane tested more than one missile, including the Tomahawk.
Royal Australian Army
Defense Minister Richard Marles said improving Australia’s defense operations and dealing with allies “will change the calculus for any potential aggressor.”
The test-firing is in line with Australia’s plan, announced earlier in this life, to spend $7 billion to increase the force to 26 primary-floor combat ships – up from 11 recently. .
Australia’s Minister for Security Business and Capability Supply, Pat Conroy, described the test-firing as a “game-changer”.
Conroy noted, “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.”
Australia plans to buy more than 200 Tomahawk missiles to arm some of its warships.
The naval development plan comes as China and other powers in the Asia-Pacific and beyond gather their firepower.
Ultimate Life, President Biden officially announced that Australia will acquire nuclear powered attack submarines A partnership between America and America, Britain. and Australia, Announced in 2021Enabled Australia to gain access to nuclear-powered submarines, which are stealthier and more capable than conventionally powered ships, as a counterweight to China’s military buildup.
The Virginia-class submarines will be nuclear powered, will not be armed with nuclear guns and are expected to carry long-range cruise missiles.