The Australian Defence Department is moving closer to potentially incorporating the StrikeMaster missile system into its arsenal, designed by Australian defence companies Kongsberg and Thales. This system combines Naval Strike Missiles with Bushmaster vehicles and is seen as a strategic asset for providing a robust "area denial" capability across Australia's top end by engaging enemy targets both on land and at sea with precision up to 250 kilometers away.
In a bid to enhance Australia's long-range strike capability, Defence is considering whether to adopt the StrikeMaster over the American-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). The decision-making process, conducted under Project LAND 8113 phase two, aims to evaluate the benefits of the more cost-effective and locally produced StrikeMaster, which features sea-skimming missiles, compared to acquiring a second regiment of HIMARS, known for its ability to launch multiple long-range rockets.
The Defence Strategy Review from the previous year emphasized the importance for the Australian Army to bolster its long-range strike capabilities and maneuverability along the land and sea boundaries, a significant extension from its current firing range of 40 kilometers. While HIMARS has been a preferred choice, concerns have arisen regarding its high costs, foreign technology dependency, and prolonged acquisition timelines, prompting a closer examination of the locally developed StrikeMaster.