From today, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is equipped with a world‑leading long‑range precision strike capability - a direct result of the Albanese Government's additional investments in Defence.
In response to the Defence Strategic Review (DSR), the Albanese Government announced $1.6 billion to accelerate and expand the acquisition of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) launcher vehicles.
Less than two years later, the first two HIMARS have now been delivered to Australia from the United States.
The acquisition of HIMARS is a game changer for the ADF, providing world-leading strike capability that will contribute to the security of Australia and our region, and keep our nation safe.
Employing the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), HIMARS will deliver increased lethality and accurate firepower at ranges of more than 500 kilometres.
These HIMARS are the first of 42 to be delivered to Australia.
Also announced by the Albanese Government in response to the DSR, is the recently established 10th Fires Brigade in Adelaide, where the HIMARS will be based.
The accelerated delivery of HIMARS will also support Australian defence industry and the creation of new jobs sooner, with the Albanese Government also investing in a facility to locally manufacture HIMARS-compatible and other guided missiles.
There is no greater responsibility than defending Australia. That is why the Albanese Government is increasing Defence funding to historic levels over the next decade, including record spending on the acquisition of new capabilities for the ADF.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:
"The Albanese Government has delivered on its promise to rapidly acquire long-range strike capability for the Australian Defence Force.
"We are making record investments to ensure the Australian Defence Force has the capability it needs, when it needs it to keep Australians safe while also supporting a future made in Australia.
"This is a proud moment for our Army, and for Australia."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:
"This delivers on our commitment to accelerate the acquisition of HIMARS, which are now on track to be fully operational four years ahead of the schedule of the former Morrison-Dutton Government.
"HIMARS is a world leading capability, delivering accurate firepower at long ranges, resulting in a more than ten-fold increase in Army's striking range.
"This is about equipping our ADF right now with state-of-the-art capabilities that enables it to operate effectively on land, sea and in the air to deter aggression and safeguard Australians.
"Equally crucial will be the munitions and support systems that sit behind HIMARS - and that's why we're manufacturing Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missiles in Australia this year, to reinforce robust domestic supply chains that we control and create local jobs."
