Mobile missile launcher from Bushmaster veichles could be operated by Australian Army

Designed to hit enemy targets both on land and sea from distances of at least 250 kilometres, the system is now under formal consideration by the Albanese government.

Australia’s defence capabilities are set for a potential shake-up with the introduction of the locally developed StrikeMaster, a mobile missile launcher mounted on Bushmaster vehicles.

Designed to hit enemy targets both on land and sea from distances of at least 250 kilometres, the system is now under formal consideration by the Albanese government, according to a report from the ABC.

With its combination of Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) and the domestically produced Bushmaster vehicle, the StrikeMaster is a sovereign, cost-effective option for Australia’s military to establish a potent “area denial” capability across the Northern Territory.

The concept behind the StrikeMaster first emerged in 2022, courtesy of defence companies Kongsberg and Thales.

It’s a sharp contrast to the American-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), which has been used by Ukrainian forces and praised for its firepower throughout almost three-year long Russian invasion.

The StrikeMaster uses Naval Strike Missiles mounted on top of the domestically produced Bushmaster vehicle. Picture: Thales

Now, with the tender process approved, the StrikeMaster is about to face off against HIMARS in a competition under Project LAND 8113 phase two, which will determine whether Australia opts for the more affordable, homegrown solution or pushes forward with a second regiment of the US artillery system.

The Australian Army’s strategic shift, outlined in last year’s Defence Strategy Review (DSR), is pushing the need for long-range strike capabilities.

Currently limited to a 40-kilometre reach, the military’s goal is to extend its strike range, improving its agility and firepower at the edges of both land and sea.

The government has already committed to a half-billion-dollar deal to purchase 20 HIMARS launchers, which boast a range of up to 300 kilometres. This was followed by a plan to expand that number to 42 while developing HIMARS-compatible missiles through the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordinance Enterprise (GWEO) by 2025.

Despite HIMARS’ performance, concerns are mounting within the Australian military over its hefty price tag and prolonged acquisition times, which are exacerbated by the high global demand for the system.

While HIMARS is seen as a trusted asset, sources indicate that the more affordable StrikeMaster is gaining traction within the Army, despite initial resistance.

The government, it seems, is keen to push for the cheaper option, especially with the growing support for homegrown missile production.

Originally published as Mobile missile launcher from Bushmaster veichles could be operated by Australian Army