An Australian warship fires a Tomahawk missile off the US coast: “A major achievement”

An Australian warship conducted a missile test launch American Tomahawk cruise missileThe move is a “major achievement” in the country’s decade-long plan to bolster its fleet in the face of the arms race in the Asia-Pacific, officials said Tuesday, hailing a “major achievement” in the country’s decade-long plan to bolster its fleet in the face of the arms race in the Asia-Pacific.

The Australian government said in a statement that the ship HMAS Brisbane launched a Tomahawk missile on December 3 off the west coast of the United States. statementThis makes it one of only three countries, along with the United States and Britain, to have acquired and launched the missile.

“The Royal Australian Navy has achieved a major achievement in achieving an enhanced and lethal surface combat fleet,” she said.

With an extended range of up to 1,550 miles, the Tomahawk allows naval platforms to conduct long-range precision strikes against land targets. She added that the missile “significantly” enhances the Australian army’s ability to deter against any potential threat.

The Navy launched a video HMAS Brisbane test fired multiple missiles, including a Tomahawk missile.

Defense Minister Richard Marles said strengthening Australia’s defense capabilities and working with partners would “change the calculations of any potential aggressor.”

The test launch is in line with Australia’s plan, announced earlier this year, to spend $7 billion to expand the navy to 26 major surface combat ships – up from 11 today.

Pat Conroy, Australia’s Minister for Defense Industry and Capability Delivery, described the launch as a “game-changer”.

“The Tomahawk is the crown jewel and a significant change in our firepower, deterrence and ability to strike ground targets at ranges not previously available to the Royal Australian Navy,” Conroy said.

Australia plans to purchase more than 200 Tomahawk missiles to arm some of its warships.

The naval expansion plan comes as China and other powers in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond are working to build up their firepower.

Last year, President Biden officially announced that Australia would buy Nuclear-powered attack submarines From the United States, a partnership between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia, Announced in 2021It has given Australia access to nuclear-powered submarines, which are stealthier and more capable than conventionally powered ships, as a counterweight to China’s military buildup.

While the Virginia-class submarines will be nuclear-powered, they will not be armed with atomic weapons and are instead expected to carry long-range cruise missiles.