Australia secures anti-ship missile capability

The Albanese Government has committed $180 million over the next 5 years to modernise the anti-ship missile defence capabilities on Royal Australian Navy ships.

Rheinmetall Defence Australia signed a contract to build Multi-Ammunition Soft-Kill System (MASS), to equip Anzac Class frigates and Hobart Class destroyers with anti-ship missile protection.

The system provides an electromagnetic decoy to protect the naval ships from sensor-guided missiles.

The five-year contract will focus on building the capability at a facility in Brisbane, creating up to 45 new local jobs through supply and support chains. This is in addition to over 600 local jobs currently being supported at the facility.

The Government is working closely with defence industry, to reshape the Australian Defence Force to respond to Australia’s current strategic circumstances outlined by the Defence Strategic Review.

Australia has lost the ten-year warning period for any conflict, with the Review recommending urgent action to build Australia’s military preparedness, including in the maritime domain. This new capability will protect our Defence personnel, enabling them to keep Australians safe.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

“It is great to visit the Brisbane facility where this exciting new system will be developed with support from a number of local companies, creating Queensland jobs.

“This investment will not only keep our sailors safe, but also lead to a smarter, stealthier navy, able to protect Australia’s interests in our current strategic environment.

“The Albanese Government is investing in sovereign capabilities and working with local industry to ensure our Defence personnel have the capability they need to keep Australians safe.”