Australia plans to buy up to 220 Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States after the US State Department approved the sale in a deal valued at nearly $900m.
The deal, which the Pentagon said involves up to 220 Tomahawk cruise missiles and technical support, comes just days after Australia announced it would buy three nuclear-powered attack submarines – with an option to acquire two more – from the US amid concerns over China’s growing military presence in the Indo-Pacific.
Australian officials said the new nuclear-powered submarines would be able to fire Tomahawk missiles.
“Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific,” the US Department of Defence said in a statement on Friday. Australia’s strategic location “contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region,” the department said.
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“By deploying the Tomahawk Weapon System, Australia will contribute to global readiness and enhance the capability of US Forces operating alongside them globally,” it said. The Tomahawks – jet-powered cruise missiles used primarily by the US and United Kingdom – will cost an estimated $895m.
“The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region,” the defence department added.