Australia boosts firepower by signing up for HIMARS and NSM
Australia is acquiring 20 launcher HIMARS units to meet its long-range fires requirement under Project Land 8113 Phase 1. (Photo: Gordon Arthur)
Deals have been inked for rocket launchers and anti-ship missiles, as Australia enhances its range and lethality.
Australia has signed on the dotted line for HIMARS for the Australian Army, and Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) for the Royal Australian Navy, according to an announcement by Canberra on 5 January.
Defence Minister Richard Marles claimed: ‘The Albanese government is taking a proactive approach to keeping Australia safe – and the Naval Strike Missile and HIMARS launchers will give our defence force the ability to deter conflict and protect our interests.’
Despite claiming this high ground, Marles neglected to say that both these acquisitions were well and truly set in motion by the previous Scott Morrison government under Project
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![CAVS rides a wave and prepares for surge requirements as orders roll in]()
CAVS rides a wave and prepares for surge requirements as orders roll in
The Common Armoured Vehicle System is continuing to rack up orders as the British Army looks likely to become an operator of the vehicle, while Italy and Ireland are also contenders.
-
![US DoD task force’s DroneHunter acquisition lays groundwork for Replicator 2 CUAS strategy]()
US DoD task force’s DroneHunter acquisition lays groundwork for Replicator 2 CUAS strategy
As the US Department of Defense looks to counter the growing threat of uncrewed aerial systems to improve homeland security, the DroneHunter acquisition could point to future commercial innovation.
-
![Land forces review: Tanks, trucks and IFVs dominate but woes remain for Ajax]()
Land forces review: Tanks, trucks and IFVs dominate but woes remain for Ajax
This year has begun with main battle tanks taking the lead while orders for large logistics and support vehicles continued from last year. Additionally, two of the British Army’s most significant contracted vehicle programmes, Ajax reconnaissance vehicle and Challenger 3 tank, continued to make news in January.
-
![Canada looking to expedite purchase of armoured fighting vehicle and a new tank]()
Canada looking to expedite purchase of armoured fighting vehicle and a new tank
Canada is improving its Leopard main battle tank fleet but before this is fully completed, it is expected to begin looking for new vehicles.
-
![Layered protection: How air defence is adapting to rising drone and missile threats (podcast)]()
Layered protection: How air defence is adapting to rising drone and missile threats (podcast)
A surge in aerial threats – from advanced missiles to low-cost drones – is reshaping the way militaries approach air defence, driving demand for flexible, multi-layered solutions.
