Australia signs $1.3 billion deal to buy US Tomahawk missiles
The Australian Ministry of Defense has just announced a contract to buy 220 Tomahawk cruise missiles from the US, worth 1.3 billion AUD, which can be equipped for the Virginia-class submarines that Australia is about to buy from the US.
According to a press release from the Australian Ministry of Defense on the morning of March 17, Australia has signed a deal worth 1.3 billion AUD (equivalent to 895 million USD) with the US to purchase 200 generation 5 Tomahawk land-attack missiles and up to 20 generation 4 Tomahawk missiles. This deal was agreed upon by both sides just a few days after Australia announced it would buy Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarines from the US.
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The Tomahawk cruise missile is expected to contribute to improving the Royal Australian Navy's long-range attack and defense capabilities. Source: Skynews |
Tomahawk is a long-range, all-weather cruise missile, currently used primarily by the US Navy and the Royal Navy in land attack operations with destroyers and submarines. The Tomahawk cruise missile weighs 1,600kg, is 6.25m long, has a maximum speed of 913km/h and a range of 2,500km, and is expected to contribute to enhancing the long-range attack capability and deterrence of the Royal Australian Navy.
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said the purchase of Tomahawk missiles could be counted as part of Australia's nuclear submarine program; allowing for expanded attack and defense ranges, protecting Australia from the risk of conflict.
Australian Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy also confirmed that Tomahawk missiles could be equipped on Virginia-class submarines that Australia plans to buy from the US under the AUKUS agreement.
“This is how we promote peace and stability by putting a question mark in the mind of any potential adversary. That is why Tomahawk missiles are important and nuclear-powered submarines are vital to Australia,” Mr Conroy stressed./.
