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?
More from Land Warfare
-
![World Defense Show 2026: Rostec unveils new infantry fighting vehicle]()
World Defense Show 2026: Rostec unveils new infantry fighting vehicle
The latest infantry fighting vehicle from Rosoboronexport draws on experience from the war in Ukraine, and is designed to be more lethal and more survivable than its predecessors.
-
![World Defense Show 2026: ST Engineering’s Rhino 4x4 set to enter service]()
World Defense Show 2026: ST Engineering’s Rhino 4x4 set to enter service
The Rhino 4x4 protected vehicle is being manufactured for an undisclosed country, likely to be Singapore, while its Agil counter-UAS C2 system is in low-rate production.
-
![World Defense Show 2026: Saudi Arabia’s record defence spend highlights uncertain times]()
World Defense Show 2026: Saudi Arabia’s record defence spend highlights uncertain times
Saudi Arabia’s investment in its land forces, notably in the area of air defence as recently as 30 January, is a sign of the challenges the Gulf State faces, particularly the threat from Houthi rebels in Yemen.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: ST Engineering’s Terrex s5 highlights hybrid power’s role in future warfare]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: ST Engineering’s Terrex s5 highlights hybrid power’s role in future warfare
Hybrid-electric drive technology may address the growing energy demands of land warfare in future.
-
![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.
