Australia To Commission $2 Billion Missile Protection System For Ground Troops

Australian Army is likely to be equipped with a $2 billion worth missile protection system by the early 2020s.

Australia’s Defence Minister, Marise Payne, and Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne will today confirm the government’s commitment to invest up to $2bn in the system, which will be operated by the army’s 16th Air Land Regiment, ministry announced Monday.

The announcement follows the Australian government’s plans to commit to increasing its defence budget – from $32bn in 2016-17 to nearly $59bn by 2025-26.  

The Australian missile defence system program, Short Range Ground Based Air Defence, will modernise the Australian Defence Force’s defensive capabilities and acquire new capability elements, including radars, missile launchers and command and control systems.

A Single Supplier Limited Request for Tender will be released to Raytheon Australia in the first half of 2017 to develop its highly successful National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS) for the Australian Defence Force, the release states. The local firms are also likely to be involved in this project.

Mr Pyne said that Canberra-based CEA Technologies, which produces phased array radar for Australia's Anzac-class frigates, and Thales Australia's Bendigo-made Hawkei protected mobility vehicles may be part of the project.

“As part of this contract, Raytheon will hold workshops across the country to engage with local industry on the project, giving them an opportunity to be part of the supply chain for this project worth up to $2bn,” Pyne added.