US Congress approves Tomahawk weapons system for Australia

Australia has taken a critical step toward acquiring world-class long-range missiles. See what the $370 million deal means for the country’s allies.

Australia has taken a critical step toward acquiring 220 Tomahawk missiles with the US Congress approving the sale of a $370 million weapons systems package to fire the missile.

The Australian government last August announced it would procure the world-class long-range missile – to be one of only three nations with them – under a $1.7 billion acquisition.

The advanced weapon is seen as critical to the Australian Defence Force’s strategic plan to hold adversaries at bay at long range and is for use by the Royal Australian Navy destroyers and submarines when they are acquired later.

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) launching a Tomahawk cruise missile to support Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn in the Mediterranean Sea.

But the capability had to be approved by the US Congress which overnight ticked off on a AUD$370 key Tomahawk operating systems component, as it deemed it within US interests.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States,” it said in a statement.

The Royal Australian Navy Hobart Class guided missile destroyer (DDG) HMAS Sydney striking a land target with a Harpoon surface to surface missile, will acquire the Tomahawk. Picture: Defence

“Australia is one of our most important allies. The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the Western Pacific. It is vital to the US national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defence capability.”

The Tomahawk, also used by UK forces, will allow for interoperability and interchangeability with the US and UK; a critical component of the AUKUS security pact and an ADF need for precision long-range strike capability as demanded by the Defence Strategic Review released last year.

Defence Industry and Pacific Minster Pat Conroy addresses the National Press Club of Australia in Canberra last year. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said the latest Congress sign-off was an essential step forward for developing Australia’s advanced military capabilities.

“This program will enhance the lethality of our Navy’s surface combatant fleet and increase interchangeability with the United States Navy, improving the effectiveness of our joint war-fighting capabilities and providing an increased deterrent effect,” he said.

The US State Department had approved the sale of the Tomahawks last March before Australia made the announcement, subject to formal contract signings, timings and approval from Congress.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency had to establish that the sale of weapons to a foreign power would not adversely affect its own national interests or defence readiness.

The Tomahawk acquisition by Australia has already been condemned by China as counter to regional peace and security.

Originally published as US Congress approves Tomahawk weapons system for Australia