Australian Destroyer Test-Fires First Cruise Missile

Royal Australian Navy (RAN) destroyer HMAS Brisbane has conducted its first test-firing of a Tomahawk cruise missile, making Australia only the third country globally to operate the weapons system.

As per a recent RAN press statement this week the Hobart-class destroyer fired a Tomahawk off the west coast of the United States in a test area close to San Diego, California.

HMAS Brisbane has been conducting test and evaluation activities as part of the plans to enhance the long-range strike capabilities of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) as part of the wider tripartite AUKUS defence pact between it, the U.S. and the U.K.

Until now only American and British forces had the Tomahawk missile, which boasts a range of up to 2,500km allowing maritime platforms to carry out precision strikes at distance against land targets. 

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said: "The enhanced lethality of Navy’s surface combatant fleet is vital to ensuring the ADF is equipped to meet our strategic circumstances and keep Australians safe. The successful test firing of the Tomahawk missile demonstrates the strength of our alliance and defence cooperation with the United States, in support of a peaceful, stable and prosperous region. 

“By enhancing our own defence capabilities, and by working with partners, we change the calculus for any potential aggressor so that no state will ever conclude the benefits of conflict outweigh the risks.”

Australia is eventually set to acquire more than 200 Tomahawk missiles, to be deployed in its Hobart-class destroyers and future platforms, including Virginia-class submarines and possibly also Hunter-class frigates.

• You can read more details on the Australian Government's website