Tomahawk Confirmed for Hobart Class AWD

20 September 2021

Tomahawk cruise missile is a long range Land Attack Missile (photo : Raytheon)

One of the announcements in yesterday's AUKUS agreement was confirmation that Australia is procuring Raytheon's Tomahawk cruise missiles for the Hobart class destroyers.

The announcement was included in a ministerial statement, which also stated plans to acquire Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (Extended Range) for the F/A-18 A/B Hornets and in future the F-35s.

Australia has operated the earlier AGM-158A JASSM for a number of years but the release now indicates that the RAAF will now also acquire the AGM-158B-ER JASSM, previously only operated by the USAF.

In addition, the release included what appears to be recycled news around plans to procure Long-Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASM) for the F/A-18F Super Hornet (and possibly P-8A Poseidons in future), and unnamed precision guided strike missiles for land forces.

AGM-158C LRASM is a stealthy anti-ship cruise missile (photo : US Navy)

In a joint statement, PM Scott Morrison, Minister for Defence Peter Dutton and Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne said: "These capabilities, coupled with the planned Life-of-Type Extension of Australia’s Collins class submarine fleet, will enhance Australia’s ability to deter and respond to potential security challenges.

"The management of this transition, and other capability acquisition options that will meet Australia’s strategic requirements, will be at the forefront of consultations through AUKUS over the next 18 months."

The decision to accelerate $1 billion for a sovereign guided weapons manufacturing enterprise was also mentioned as Request for Proposals open for a Medium Range Ground Based Air Defence capability.

"The Request for Proposal will improve Defence's understanding of the capability and likely availability and timelines of current and potential future systems that can meet Australia's requirements," Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said.

"We are also seeking to understand how Australian industry can leverage the Sovereign Guided Weapons Enterprise in their proposals to harness existing or emerging local munitions production capabilities."

(ADM)