Australia has announced a significant upgrade to its defense capabilities through a bilateral deal with the United States, valued at A$7 billion (about $4.7 billion). The deal includes the purchase of advanced missiles for the Australian Navy, including the Standard Missile-2 Block IIIC and Standard Missile-6. The latter were successfully tested by the Navy during a joint exercise with the United States in Hawaii in August.

The SM-6 missile, produced by Raytheon, represents the cutting edge of American naval missile technology, capable of intercepting both ballistic missiles and aircraft, ships and land targets. Richard Marles, Australian Minister of Defence, has confirmed the deployment of the SM-6 on the Hobart-class destroyers and the future Hunter-class frigates, significantly expanding the offensive and defensive arsenal of the Nation.

The Minister highlighted that the introduction of the SM-6 and SM-2 IIIC will significantly enhance the Australian Navy's long-range capabilities, enabling it to strike air, sea and land targets and provide terminal defence against ballistic missiles. This enhancement is intended to better protect national interests in a context of growing tension in the Pacific, marked by the rivalry between the United States and China, a dynamic that Australia has identified as a potential threat to regional and global stability.

Pat Conroy, Australia's Minister for Defence Industry, highlighted the importance of these cutting-edge missile systems, saying they will play a crucial role in strengthening Australia's national security and safeguarding the country's interests in an increasingly complex strategic environment.

In the video below, the SM-6 is being tested by the Australian Navy during a joint exercise with the United States in Hawaii in August 2024: