Australia orders $2billion ground-air defence system
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The government has approved the development of a short-range ground-based air-defence system to improve protection for deployed personnel.
CAPTION: A Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system similar to this one being used in an enemy role at Red Flag will be custom designed for Australia by Raytheon. Photo by Leading Aircraftman Michael Green.
Minister for Defence Marise Payne said the project was the first step in the development of the Australian Army’s contribution to the Australian Defence Force’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence Program announced in the 2016 Defence White Paper.
The government will invest up to $2 billion in the system which will provide the inner-most layer of Australia’s enhanced integrated air and missile capability.
The capability will be operated by the Army’s 16th Air Land Regiment.
“A modern and integrated ground-based air-defence system is needed to protect our deployed forces from increasingly sophisticated air threats, both globally and within our region,” said Minister Payne.
“Australia’s current short-range capability is 30 years old and due to be retired early next decade.
“The replacement system will provide improved protection for our deployed servicemen and women.”
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.
Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne said the project would seek to maximise Australian industry content to ensure our defence dollar helped deliver local jobs and economic growth.
“Through a Risk Mitigation Contract, the government will ensure there are opportunities for Australian industry participation, with direct access to Raytheon Australia for local businesses to showcase their abilities,” Mr Pyne said.
“As part of this contract Raytheon will hold workshops across the country to engage with local industry, giving them an opportunity to be part of the supply chain for this project worth up to $2 billion.
“Defence will collaborate with Raytheon Australia and Canberra-based CEA Technologies to look at integrating the Canberra-based firm’s radar into an upgraded NASAMS.
“CEA Technologies’ ground breaking phased array radar system has already been incorporated into Australia’s ANZAC-class frigates and this project will trial the technology in a land-based role.”
Through the Risk Mitigation Activity Defence and Raytheon will also investigate using Thales Australia’s ‘Hawkei’ protected mobility vehicle, manufactured in Bendigo, Victoria, as a potential platform for the system’s missile launchers.
Defence will complete a detailed analysis prior to returning to government for final consideration in 2019.
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Share the post "Australia orders $2billion ground-air defence system"
Hi Jason. Fair criticism. Here’s how I stuffed up…
In the press release, there was a link that said “Images of the system”. I followed that link, with just one image presented (the one I used). I took the details from the caption of that image.
While I accept the criticism that I didn’t check the facts, one really shouldn’t have to when the information comes directly from the Minister’s office. BUT, obviously, I should know better by now.
Defence has removed that link in the mean time. So you’re obviously not the first to pick up on it.
Brian Hartigan
CONTACT Editor
An SA-13? What? How is this Soviet designed, optically guided short ranged (<6ks) in any way similar to the medium ranged, radar guided missile system we are buying, apart from the fact they are both surface to air missiles? Why not suggest a Stinger is similar to an S-400, while you're at it?