Australia: Cooperating with Japan on Tomahawk Missiles
・The two countries will build a joint front with Tomahawk cruise missiles
・Japan’s stand-off defense and Australia’s long-range counterattack capabilities
Summary from JANES article.
Japan and Australia agree:
The two countries have agreed to ‘expand cooperation on long-range offensive weapons.’
1. Concerns about China’s regional assertiveness are growing.
2. Going forward, the focus will be on interoperability and common capability development.
Japan-Australia Foreign and Defense Ministerial Consultation:
This agreement was held in Victoria, Australia, on September 5th.
Announced after the Foreign and Defense Ministerial Consultation between the two countries.
Enhanced bilateral cooperation:
Japan and Australia have agreed on the following points:
Japan’s stand-off defense capabilities and Australia’s long-range attack capabilities will ensure counterattack capabilities.
At a press conference, Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara said the following.
Strengthened bilateral cooperation:
1. Use of naval vessels (Japan’s Mogami-class frigates).
2. Focus on joint research into underwater robots and autonomous systems.
Effective use of Tomahawks:
Kihara said Japan and Australia will cooperate on long-range weapons to counter growing threats in the Indo-Pacific.
1. Improving standoff capabilities is consistent with the requirements of the new defense doctrines of both countries.
2. “The basic policies of both countries are the same,” he said in an official Defense Ministry comment.
3. He added that they will also place emphasis on “Raytheon’s Tomahawk cruise missiles.”
Japan and Australia introduce Tomahawks:
Japan and Australia are procuring Tomahawks from the US for their surface combatants.
1. Both countries signed Foreign Military Sales contracts with the US last year.
2. Both countries have procured around 200 Tomahawks each.
Australia wants to equip its Hobart-class aviation destroyers and Hunter-class frigates with Tomahawks.
Japan plans to integrate Tomahawks into its Aegis-equipped destroyer fleet.
Japan: Contract for 400 Tomahawks for 254 billion yen Japan’s Ministry of Defense:
On January 18, a contract was signed with the US government to purchase the US-made cruise missile “Tomahawk”.
The contract amount is approximately 254 billion yen, and 400 missiles will be delivered in succession from 2025 to 2027.
Japan plans to use it as an enemy base attack capability to destroy military bases in other countries’ territories.
Training for Self-Defense Force personnel to begin in March:
US Ambassador to Japan Emanuel attended the signing ceremony at the Ministry of Defense in Ichigaya, Tokyo.
1. There are plans to begin training for Self-Defense Force personnel for operation in March prior to delivery.
2. “This is a new day to ensure deterrence in the region,” he said.
Breakdown of contract amount:
169.4 billion yen for missile acquisition, 84.7 billion yen for related equipment to be installed on Aegis ships.
About 200 of each of the latest model “Block 5” and the conventional model “Block 4” will be purchased.
https://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/303682
US State Department: Approves Sale of 220 Tomahawk Missiles to Australia
Summary from an article published in Brisbane, Australia (CNN).
US State Department Approval:
By the 17th, the US State Department approved Australia’s request to purchase 220 Tomahawk missiles.
The missiles will be installed on Australian Navy ships and on the US nuclear submarines that Australia agreed to purchase this week.
Statement from the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency:
1. The total cost, including maintenance and logistical support, is AUD 1.3 billion.
2. The missiles will improve the US-Australia interoperability and ability to contribute to missions of mutual interest.
The procurement of Tomahawk missiles is part of the AUKUS agreement between the US, UK and Australia.
Installed on Virginia-class submarines:
The US will sell at least three Virginia-class submarines to Australia.
Features of Tomahawk:
The missile was first deployed in combat in the 1991 Gulf War.
Flies at extremely low altitudes at subsonic speeds. Can be controlled by multiple guidance systems depending on the mission.
Currently, the only country that has purchased Tomahawks from the United States is the United Kingdom.