Australia has announced a A$2.4bn ($1.7bn) investment over six years to modernize its air surveillance, control, and missile defense capabilities in partnership with Lockheed Martin Australia.
The funding represents the second tranche of the AIR 6500 project, which will deliver a Joint Air Battle Management System to link platforms including the Medium-Range Ground-Based Air Defence system, Hobart-class destroyers, and F-35A Lightning II aircraft. The modernization effort aims to improve the Australian Defence Force’s ability to detect, track, and respond to complex aerial threats within an integrated force structure, reported in a statement by the Australian Department of Defence.
In parallel, the Australian Army’s National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System has reached final operational capability following live-fire tests and training conducted by the 16 Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery. The system constitutes the inner layer of the nation’s ground-based air defense, providing protection for personnel and critical infrastructure against aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles. Australian Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy emphasized that the initiatives deliver advanced command and control capabilities while strengthening the country’s industrial base and workforce expertise.
