Australia, a United States ally in the South Pacific Ocean, has upgraded its ship-sinking capabilities after China’s unprecedented naval circumnavigation of the country.
The Chinese military did not immediately respond to Newsweek‘s request for comment.
Why It Matters
China has the world’s largest navy by hull count. It sent a naval task group, consisting of a destroyer, a frigate, and a replenishment ship, for a deployment around Australia from mid-February to early March, transiting from the Eastern Seaboard to the Western Seaboard.
The U.S. is assisting Australia in enhancing its naval power, including the acquisition of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered attack submarines, as well as the 1,000-mile-range Tomahawk cruise missile, which will be equipped on its destroyers and submarines.
What To Know
The Australian Defense Department announced on Friday that the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) conducted an operational test of the AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) with its F/A-18F fighter jets off the coast of California last month.
Australian Defense Department
“The operational testing involved the validation of weapons preparation and loading, as well as targeting and successful weapon engagement. The [Australian Defense Force] also simulated a long-range maritime strike against a potential adversary,” the statement read.
The LRASM has a range of 500 nautical miles (575 miles) and is armed with a 1,000-pound warhead, according to specialist outlet Naval News. Its producer, Lockheed Martin, says the missile is capable of engaging the target from outside the enemy’s range of fire.
The missile is now ready for operational use by the Australian military. According to the statement, Australia has allocated $562.7 million (USD) for the acquisition of the missile.
Alex Luck, an Australia-based naval analyst, told Newsweek that the LRASM, which is designed with low observable (stealth) technology, will be a “significant qualitative improvement” over the AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile currently in use by the Australian fighter aircraft.
“[LRASM] is an overall far more capable missile, featuring a much heavier warhead delivered over a significantly increased range, while also increasing its survivability against defensive and countermeasures by the target,” Luck said.
The Harpoon missile has a range of more than 60 nautical miles (69 miles), the RAAF revealed in a press release in August 2023. It said that the ability to support maritime operations with the so-called “long-range strike capability” has become its high priority.
Australian Defense Department
What People Are Saying
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said in a statement on Friday: “Capabilities such as the LRASM will help the Australian Defense Force protect against threats to Australia and our national interests.”
Australian Defense Industry and Capability Delivery Minister Pat Conroy said in a statement on Friday: “The acquisition of LRASM is a significant step up in long-range strike for our Air Force and underscores the Albanese Government’s commitment to equipping the [Australian Defense Force] with the capabilities it needs to keep Australians safe.”
Australia-based naval analyst Alex Luck told Newsweek via email on Saturday: “In essence [LRASM] drastically grows and improves RAAF’s airborne reach against naval surface targets.”
What Happens Next
It remains to be seen whether Australia will purchase additional weapons from the U.S. to enhance its military power as Washington is pushing allies to increase defense spending.
