Australian Department of Defence, Defence Minister Robert Hill today announced two major projects worth over A$750 million to further improve the Australian Defence Force's maritime defence capabilities.
The first is a A$500 million project to upgrade the anti-ship missile defences in the Royal Australian Navy's ANZAC class frigates. Key improvements to upgrade sensors and weapon systems will include:
–An infra-red search and track system providing improved detection and indication of low level aircraft and anti-ship missiles when close to land.
–Improvements to the existing fire control radar to increase the detection and engagement range against anti-ship missiles.
–Improvements to the command and control system to shorten the time between detection and engagement of anti-ship missiles.
— The installation of two very short range air defence weapon systems to provide 360 degree close-in protection against supersonic anti-ship missiles.
Senator Hill said the ability to provide warships with sustained protection against anti-ship missile attack was an essential element of Australia's maritime capability.
Iran warns Israel against attacking nuclear sites
A senior Revolutionary Guards general threatened on Thursday to target Israel's "nuclear facilities" if it strikes Iranian atomic sites, state...