The Australian Defence Force will be equipped with the most effective anti-ship missiles in the world following the Government's decision to spend $30 million to acquire Harpoon Block II technology, Defence Minister Robert Hill announced today.
Senator Hill said the current Harpoon Block I missiles would be retrofitted with state-of-the-art Harpoon Block II technology that will enhance the precision and lethality of the ADF's premier maritime strike weapon.
"The Harpoon missile is fired from Anzac, Adelaide and Collins class naval platforms, and F-111, F/A-18 and AP-3C aircraft," Senator Hill said.”
The Harpoon capability is being introduced to the Anzac class ships (under approved Project SEA 1348).
"The improved missile will allow upgraded platforms to target ships close to shore or in congested waterways more effectively.
"The combination of state-of-the-art navigational and initialisation information technology allows the missile's active radar seeker to better discriminate the desired ship targets from islands, other obstructions or neutral ships.
"The Anzac class frigates will be the first to fully utilise this capability upgrade."
Australia will be one of the lead nations in fielding the new Harpoon Block II technology.
The ADF has fielded the Harpoon missile continuously since 1982.
The missile upgrade kits are being purchased from Boeing and will be installed by Defence personnel at the Orchard Hills facility in Sydney.
