Australia has announced a major investment of $4.68 billion (A$7 billion) to acquire SM-2 and SM-6 anti-aircraft missiles for its Navy, according to a report by Breaking Defense.
"The Standard Missile 6 and Standard Missile 2 Block IIIC will enable our Navy to strike long-range sea, land, and air targets, as well as provide ballistic missile defense, enhancing the Australian Armed Forces' ability to protect Australians and their interests," said Defense Minister Richard Marles.
The SM-2 IIIC and SM-6 missiles will be gradually deployed on Hobart-class destroyers and later on the future Hunter-class frigates.
This follows the successful test firing of the SM-6 from the destroyer HMAS Sydney. Notably, Australia became the first country outside the United States to successfully fire the SM-6 missile.
In August 2021, the U.S. State Department approved services related to the future acquisition of SM-6 and SM-2 IIIC missiles for Australia in a deal initially valued at $350 million. This earlier agreement likely paved the way for the current contract.
Additionally, in October 2024, it was revealed that Australia’s Ministry of Defense would receive approximately $13.7 billion to support the construction of Hunter-class frigates. This funding will cover the development of the first three ships and infrastructure for all six planned vessels.
"The government has approved $19.87 billion for the construction of the first three ships, as well as other items to support the future fleet of six ships," an Australian Ministry of Defense spokesperson stated.
This new funding brings the total cost of each Hunter-class frigate to over $2.55 billion, supplementing the previously allocated $12.66 billion for design, production setup, and initial construction.
