A tomahawk cruise missile launches from the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG-86) for a live-fire exercise during Valiant Shield 2018 on Sept. 18, 2018. US Navy Photo
This story has been updated to include comments from Australia’s Minister for Defense Industry Pat Conroy.
The State Department authorized the potential sale of Tomahawk missiles to Australia, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced today. Read More
SM-6 launches from guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones on Aug. 29, 2017. MDA Photo
Japan is set to be the first country after the United States to field the Standard Missile 6 as part of a proposed $450 million arms package, according to a State Department notification to Congress. Read More
Commanding Officer HMAS Adelaide, Captain Jonathan Earley, CSC, RAN, salutes the Royal Australian Navy Ensign at the memorial service for HMAS Canberra I on HMAS Adelaide on Aug. 17, 2018. RAN Photo
The Royal Australian Navy has set out its force structure for the next 40 years with decisions taken on construction programs for new submarines, frigates and smaller offshore patrol vessels. Read More
USS John Paul Jones (DDG-53) launches a Standard Missile (SM) 2 during a live-fire test of the ship’s Aegis weapons system on Feb. 8, 2014. US Navy Photo
This post has been updated to include information on an Aegis Weapon System sale to Australia, announced a day after the Spanish deal was approved.
Spain has received U.S. State Department approval for an estimated $860.4-million purchase of five Aegis Weapons Systems to install on five frigates, and Australia was approved for a $185-million Aegis purchase of its own.
Air Warfare Destroyer HMAS Hobart (DDG-39) undertakes acceptance sea trials off the coast of South Australia to undertake testing of combat, communications and additional platform systems. Royal Australian Navy photo.
The Royal Australian Navy is set to become the first foreign force using Raytheon’s sensor-netting system that creates a real-time composite network picture for operators at sea.
An artist’s concept of the planned Japanese 27DD guided missile destroyer. Image via Navy Recognition
Raytheon’s Standard Missile 6 has been cleared by the Pentagon for international sales and a trio of potential Pacific nations are likely the first customers. Read More
An artist’s conception of the Hobart-class guided missile destroyer
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — The consortium building three air warfare destroyers (AWDs) for the Royal Australian Navy has provided an update on the construction of the ships, as well as an overview on the lessons learned from the delays and cost overruns that have plagued the program. Read More
Royal Australian Navy guided missile destroyer Hobart shortly after its launch on May 23, 2015. Government of Australia Photo
Australia’s state owned shipbuilder ASC launched the first of a new class of guided missile destroyer for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) last week a day after after a new government statement outlined additional delays and cost overruns in the three ship program. Read More
ASC’s facility in Adelaide, Australia. ASC Photo
Australian Defense Minister David Johnston is backing off Tuesday comments in which he said he didn’t trust state-owned shipbuilder ASC to “build a canoe,” according to local press reports. Read More
Australian Defense Minister David Johnston via Sydney Morning Herald
Australian Defense Minister David Johnston blasted state-owned shipbuilder ASC (formerly known as Australian Submarine Corporation) following reported cost overruns of the Royal Australian Navy’s new class of guided missile destroyers on Tuesday, according to local press reports.
“You wonder why I’m worried about ASC and wonder what they’re delivering the Australian taxpayer? You wonder why I wouldn’t trust them to build a canoe?,” Johnston said before the Australian Senate. Read More
