Australia spends $1.3 billion on missiles in AUKUS contract

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Australia will acquire hundreds of Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States as part of the AUKUS Security Agreement.

The Pentagon has approved the sale of 220 missiles for $1.3 billion in a deal that also includes technical support.

The missile sale follows Australia’s announcement that it has acquired several nuclear submarines under the Anglo-American alliance at a cost of up to $368 billion.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said Australia would work closely with the United States to boost its missile capabilities.

“That’s a very important part of what we need to do with our postures, which is to increase our ability to project,” he told Nine’s. today Friday program.

“Securing long-range strike missiles is a very important capability for this country.It allows us to reach further beyond the coast and ultimately keep Australia safe.”

Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy said Australia could launch missiles from the US Virginia-class submarines it acquires under AUKUS.

“We definitely want the best possible capabilities from the Australian Defense Force, including the ability to strike opponents as far away from mainland Australia as possible,” he told ABC Television.

“Cruise missiles are an important part of that, as are the submarines that launch them.”

The missile announcement follows criticism from former Labor Prime Minister Paul Keating over the submarine deal. Former Labor Minister and Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garrett backed Keating on Thursday.

“This deal stinks with huge costs, loss of independence, weakened nuclear defenses, etc.,” he tweeted.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton said the coalition supports the security partnership despite criticism.

“We all ended up with a Paul Keating spray, but this week was a special effort,” he said.

“It’s in our country’s best interest. That’s why we’re negotiating with AUKUS and doing everything we can to help the government get over the family feud.

Marrez said the attack on AUKUS was not surprising, but the submarine agreement was the right decision.

“We make sure we address them all, but at the end of the day, we have our own party room, so we’re focused on talking to people in Australia.

-with AAP