SYDNEY: Australia has announced to procure more than 200 Tomahawk cruise missiles worth $833 million from the United States to enhance its defense capability, western media reported on Monday.
Defence Minister Richard Marles in a statement said that Australia would be only one of three countries to have access to Tomahawks along with the U.S. and Britain.
Australia To Buy U.S. Tomahawk Cruise Missiles
He said Australia is investing a lot to enhance its defense capabilities and to hold enemies away from its shores and keep Australians safe in the uncertain world.
The Tomahawk missile developed by the U.S. can a strike a target upto 1,500km.
In March this year the U.S. state department had finalized the sale of up to 200 Tomahawks missiles and supporting equipment to Australia under Aukus pact.
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Earlier this year Australia has also requested the sale of long-range anti-radiation missiles, which U.S. congress considered in February.
Another $50m will be spent on arming Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles with Spike Long-Range 2 anti-tank missiles.
A recent report released by the Australian Army Research Centre has said that Australia lacks capability to counter conflicts unless supported by the U.S.
