According to information published by the Australian Ministry of Defense on January 25, 2021, the Australian Government will invest $1 billion to commence the early development of advanced guided weapons to enhance Australia’s maritime security. This significant commitment will modernize the Australian Navy’s platforms to project and maintain sea control.
This project will provide the Australian Navy with leading-edge long-range anti-ship missiles, extended range surface-to-air missiles, advanced lightweight torpedoes, and maritime land strike capabilities.
With ranges in excess of 370 kilometers for anti-ship and surface-to-air missiles and 1,500 kilometers for maritime land strike missiles, these new weapons will enhance the protection of our maritime resources and borders, and hold adversaries at risk at much greater distances.
As part of SEA 1300, Defence will continue its long-term investment and key contribution to the Evolved SEASPARROW Block 2 missile program, and commence investment in developing the Standard Missile 2 Block IIIC and the Standard Missile 6 Block 1, to meet Australia’s surface-to-air missile capability requirements.