Australia receives 'game-changing' long-range missile from US

Today (March 24), the Canberra government announced that the Australian Army has received the first delivery from the US of a long-range missile line that is considered capable of changing the situation on the battlefield.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles (center) announced the receipt of the first HIMARS system from the US on March 24.

At the Australian International Airshow in Avalon, New South Wales, Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles and Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy announced that the country had received long-range missiles from its US ally.

The newly delivered missile is the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) that has attracted attention on the fronts in Ukraine.

The first batch includes two HIMARS systems and is part of a total of 42 systems provided by the US, which the Canberra government says is a "game-changing" weapon line on the battlefield and thereby enhances security for Australia and the region.

"We have invested a record budget to ensure the Australian Defence Force is equipped with the necessary capabilities when needed to ensure Australia's security," AFP quoted Minister Marles as saying today, March 24.

With its multiple-barrel guided rocket launcher system and precision strike missiles, HIMARS can destroy targets at a distance of over 500 km.

"HIMARS is a world- leading capability, delivering long-range precision firepower, giving the Australian Army more than 10 times the offensive strike range it has had before," said Minister Conroy.

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Australia has accelerated the deployment of HIMARS following a defence capability review in 2023.

That year's report called for the country's military to rapidly transition to long-range defense capabilities to respond promptly to changes in the region.

Based on the report's recommendations, the Canberra government announced spending 1.6 billion AUD (about 1 billion USD) to expand and accelerate the transfer of HIMRS.

As part of its deterrence strategy, Australia is also committed to equipping its navy with stealthy nuclear-powered submarines carrying cruise missiles.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/uc-tiep-nhan-ten-lua-tam-xa-co-the-thay-doi-cuoc-choi-tu-my-185250324105637444.htm