Australia signs $4.7 billion long-range missile deal with US

(CLO) On Tuesday, Australia announced it would strengthen its air and missile defense system with a 7 billion AUD (4.7 billion USD) deal with the United States to buy long-range SM-2 IIIC and SM-6 missiles for the navy.

The Australian Navy tested Raytheon's SM-6 missile from a warship in August, during joint exercises with the US in Hawaii. The SM-6 is considered the US's most advanced naval air defence missile, capable of countering ballistic missiles, and has been tested against ships, land targets, and in air-to-air combat situations.

Australian and US Navy ships in the South China Sea, April 18, 2020. Photo: Reuters

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said the SM-6 missile would be deployed on Hobart-class destroyers and future Hunter-class destroyers.

"The Standard Missile-6 and Standard Missile 2 Block IIIC will enable our Navy to strike sea, land and air targets at long ranges, while providing a terminal ballistic missile defence capability, enhancing our ability to protect Australian people and interests," Mr Marles said in a statement.

Last year, Australia announced it would prioritize long-range precision strike capabilities and bolster bases in the country’s north in its biggest defense overhaul since World War II. The review found that intense competition between the US and China was shaping the region and there was a “risk of conflict.”

Australia is rapidly increasing its Navy's long-range strike capabilities to enhance its deterrence, it said on Tuesday. Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said Australia was facing "the most complex geostrategic environment since World War II".

Cao Phong (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/uc-ky-thoa-thuan-mua-ten-lua-tam-xa-tri-gia-47-ty-do-la-voi-my-post317858.html