The Albanese Government strengthens naval defence with advanced SM-2 IIIC and SM-6 missiles
The Albanese Government has announced a $7 billion deal with the United States to enhance Australia’s air and missile defence systems by acquiring state-of-the-art long-range missiles.
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The purchase includes the Standard Missile 2 Block IIIC (SM-2 IIIC) and Standard Missile-6 (SM-6), marking a major step in strengthening the long-range capabilities of the Royal Australian Navy’s surface fleet. These advanced defence systems will be progressively deployed across the Navy’s Hobart-class destroyers, and later, the future Hunter-class frigates. This follows the recent successful test firing of an SM-6 from HMAS Sydney.
The SM-2 IIIC, featuring active seeker technology, will significantly boost the Navy’s defensive abilities against missile threats, while the SM-6 will provide extended air defence, offensive anti-ship capabilities, and, for the first time, terminal ballistic missile defence
These new capabilities will complement existing systems like the ESSM Block 2 and the Naval Strike Missile, forming a layered defence system for Australia’s surface combatant fleet in line with the National Defence Strategy.
The Albanese Government’s investment in these advanced missiles is aimed at bolstering Australia’s deterrence and rapidly increasing the Navy’s long-range strike capabilities.
