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Historic Moment: Australia Joins Elite Group to Test Tomahawk Cruise Missiles.


According to information published by the Australian Government on December 10, 2024, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has achieved a milestone by successfully firing a Tomahawk cruise missile from the Hobart-class destroyer HMAS Brisbane during a test conducted off the west coast of the United States. This event positions Australia as one of only three countries worldwide—alongside the United States and the United Kingdom—to acquire and deploy the Tomahawk, a long-range precision strike weapon.
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Royal Australian Navy's Hobart-class destroyer HMAS Brisbane. (Picture source: Australian DoD)


This achievement is part of the Australian Government's accelerated efforts to enhance the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) long-range strike capabilities, as outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy. With a range of up to 2,500 kilometers, the Tomahawk cruise missile provides a transformational capability for the RAN, enabling ships to engage land targets with pinpoint accuracy.

The acquisition of the Tomahawk cruise missile represents a $1.3 billion investment and is being introduced several years ahead of schedule under the Albanese Government’s initiative. In total, over 200 Tomahawk missiles will be integrated into the RAN’s fleet, including the Hobart-class destroyers and future platforms such as the Virginia-class submarines and, pending feasibility studies, the Hunter-class frigates.

This successful test follows earlier firings of the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and the Standard Missile 6 (SM-6), showcasing a suite of modern capabilities designed to fortify Australia’s maritime security. Together, these systems represent the most advanced naval strike and missile defense capabilities in the RAN’s history. The integration of these systems is part of a broader effort to strengthen the alliance between Australia and the United States.

Analysis

HMAS Brisbane, a Hobart-class Air Warfare Destroyer, is a highly advanced platform centered around the Aegis Combat System. Equipped with the AN/SPY-1D(V) radar and the Mk 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS), the ship is capable of deploying a range of missiles, including the Tomahawk. This adaptability highlights the destroyer’s multi-mission flexibility, integrating robust air and missile defense capabilities with long-range strike options.

The Tomahawk cruise missile, with a range exceeding 1,500 kilometers, significantly extends the RAN’s operational reach. Designed for precision, the missile leverages GPS guidance and terrain-following flight capabilities to effectively strike high-value targets while minimizing the risk of interception. This precision, combined with the ability to reprogram the missile mid-flight, makes it an exceptionally versatile weapon for both preemptive and retaliatory missions. By introducing this capability, HMAS Brisbane can now engage targets far beyond the ship’s visual horizon, including strategic assets deep inland.

The integration of Tomahawk missiles into the Hobart-class destroyer fleet required sophisticated updates to the Aegis Combat System, ensuring seamless command and control of this advanced weapon. Crew readiness also played a crucial role, with extensive training required to familiarize personnel with the missile’s operational and maintenance demands. This process reflects the RAN’s growing technological acumen and ability to incorporate cutting-edge systems into its existing platforms.

Strategically, the deployment of Tomahawk missiles aligns with Australia’s broader defense posture. It enhances the RAN’s interoperability with allied navies, particularly the United States, which has long fielded Tomahawks as a cornerstone of its maritime strategy. This shared capability strengthens collective security frameworks like AUKUS, bolstering Australia’s position as a key contributor to regional stability.

The implications of this capability are profound. The RAN’s ability to conduct precision strikes at long distances reshapes the regional power balance, signaling a shift from purely defensive maritime operations to a more proactive, deterrence-focused approach. This capability, when combined with other emerging assets such as nuclear-powered submarines, ensures that Australia remains equipped to address escalating security challenges in contested waters like the South China Sea.


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