Canberra: In response to Beijing’s growing naval assertiveness, Australia is accelerating efforts to deploy long-range anti-ship missiles to strengthen its defense capabilities. The move comes amid heightened security concerns following the recent arrival of powerful Chinese warships off the Australian coast.
Strengthening Maritime Defense
with Advanced Missile SystemsIn a bid to bolster its military firepower, Canberra is preparing to equip Australian troops with advanced anti-ship missiles and state-of-the-art targeting radars. These weapons aim to secure Australia’s vast maritime approaches and counteract potential threats, according to official contracts, government statements, and ministerial announcements.
Currently, two advanced missile systems designed for mobile launchers are under evaluation, with an official decision expected by the end of the year. Among the top contenders is Lockheed Martin’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), which is projected to have a range of up to 1,000 km in its future versions. These missiles can be launched from the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS)—Australia has already placed orders for 42 HIMARS launchers from the United States, expected to be operational by 2026-2027.
In a major breakthrough for maritime strike capabilities, the U.S. Army demonstrated the effectiveness of the PrSM in June 2024, successfully targeting a moving vessel during a Pacific military exercise.
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Chinese Warships Prompt Urgent Defense Measures
Australia’s security agencies were caught off guard when the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) deployed three warships—including one of its most powerful cruisers, a frigate, and a replenishment ship—close to Sydney and Melbourne in late February 2025.
The unexpected military maneuver caused significant disruption, with 49 commercial flights diverted between Australia and New Zealand on February 21 due to what appeared to be a live-fire exercise in the Tasman Sea—executed without prior notification to Australian or New Zealand authorities.
Despite growing concerns, Australia’s defense minister’s office has yet to issue an official response regarding the Chinese flotilla’s activities.
New Missiles as a Strategic Deterrence
Military analysts emphasize that equipping the Australian Army with HIMARS-mounted anti-ship missiles could act as a powerful deterrent to adversaries. Mick Ryan, a retired Australian Army Major General, stated:
“You could put a HIMARS launcher with a maritime strike missile in Sydney, and it would have the potential to hit one of those ships”.
The introduction of long-range missile capabilities is a key pillar of Canberra’s defense strategy against an increasingly assertive Chinese military presence in the Indo-Pacific region. Additionally, these advanced weapons systems could be deployed to support allied forces in defending strategically important islands should conflict arise, according to military experts speaking to Reuters.
Expanded Missile Procurement for Australia’s Armed Forces
In addition to bolstering its land-based missile capabilities, Australia’s Navy and Air Force are also set to receive new long-range missiles to enhance maritime and aerial defense. These acquisitions signal a broader military modernization effort, ensuring that Australia is well-prepared for any emerging security threats in the region.
As tensions continue to mount in the Indo-Pacific, Australia’s swift missile deployment initiative reflects a proactive approach to counter China’s expanding military footprint, reinforcing its commitment to regional security and defense readiness.
