Australian warship test-fires Tomahawk missile, marking 'important milestone'

The Australian government announced today, December 10, that a warship had tested a US-made Tomahawk cruise missile.

In a statement today, the Australian government said that the Australian destroyer HMAS Brisbane on December 3 launched a Tomahawk missile off the west coast of the US. This event marked Australia becoming one of only three countries - along with the US and the UK - to possess and launch Tomahawk missiles, according to AFP.

A photo provided by the Australian Department of Defense on December 10 shows the HMAS Brisbane launching a Tomahawk missile off the west coast of the United States.

With the Tomahawk test, the Royal Australian Navy has achieved a "significant milestone" in enhancing the capability of its surface combatant fleet, the statement said.

With an extended range of up to 2,500 km, the Tomahawk missile allows warships to carry out long-range precision strikes on land targets.

Australian ship HMAS Brisbane launches Tomahawk missile

According to the statement, the Tomahawk missile "significantly enhances" the Australian military's deterrence capabilities against all potential threats.

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said strengthening Australia's defence capabilities and working with partners would "change the calculus for any potential aggressor".

The Tomahawk test fits into Australia’s plans announced earlier this year to spend $7 billion to expand its navy from the current 11 large surface combatants to 26. Australia also plans to buy more than 200 Tomahawk missiles to equip some of its warships.

Australia's naval expansion plan comes as China and other countries in the Asia- Pacific and beyond are boosting their firepower, according to AFP.

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Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tau-chien-uc-phong-thu-ten-lua-tomahawk-danh-dau-cot-moc-quan-trong-185241210105529195.htm