Australia to Acquire $7 Billion in US Missiles Amid Regional Arms Race

The missile purchase aims to bolster Australia's defense capabilities as strategic tensions rise in the Indo-Pacific.

Australia has secured a $7 billion deal to purchase advanced long-range missiles from the United States.
The acquisition includes Standard Missile 2 Block IIIC and Standard Missile-6, enhancing the Navy's air defense capabilities.
Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy described the deal as crucial for deterrence amid the most complex geo-strategic environment since WWII.
The missiles will be deployed on Hobart-class destroyers and future Hunter-class frigates, with deployment timelines remaining confidential.
This purchase is part of a broader strategy to domestically produce long-range missiles in partnership with Kongsberg Gruppen ASA and Lockheed Martin.