The Netherlands cleared to purchase $2.2 billion in Tomahawk missiles
The approved purchase is for Tomahawk Block IV and Block V missiles, control systems, telemetry missiles and communication and broadcast systems.
Austal has received a contract worth up to AUD779 million ($584m) to build the 14th Littoral Combat Ship (LCS 28) for the US Navy, the company announced on 25 June.
The 127m LCS 28 will be built at the company’s shipyard in Mobile, Alabama, while certain subsystems will be manufactured at the Austal’s Henderson facility in Western Australia, as part of a continuation of its successful subcontract collaboration with the US.
David Singleton, CEO, Austal, said: ‘While I am obviously happy for Austal I am also delighted in the vote of confidence this delivers for Australian shipbuilding and design. Should we win the $3 billion Offshore Patrol Vessel contract for the Royal Australian Navy, we intend to introduce many of the advanced manufacturing techniques and efficiency gains perfected in the US into our local operations.’
The US Navy is expected to order two more LCS vessels in the current US financial year. To date, Austal’s total order for the Independence-class LCS have totalled approximately $8 billion, which equates to approximately 75% of the likely value of the entire Australian Government frigate construction programme.
The approved purchase is for Tomahawk Block IV and Block V missiles, control systems, telemetry missiles and communication and broadcast systems.
The Philippine Navy is fast-tracking its maritime modernisation with new warships, unmanned platforms, and international shipbuilding partnerships to bolster its regional deterrence posture.
Taiwan is strengthening its deterrence against the PLA through an asymmetric arsenal that includes fast mine-laying vessels and domestically developed UAVs.
L3Harris is targeting European naval modernisation with new uncrewed surface vessels, SATCOM partnerships, and regional investments including defence exercises and facility openings.
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, DSTA chief Ng Chad-son outlines how the agency is reshaping defence tech development through deeper collaboration with industry partners, from AI-enhanced radar to smart naval munitions.
The agreement is intended to boost opportunities for both UK and Norwegian naval shipbuilding.