In a decisive strategic pivot, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is set to enhance its tactical and strategic airpower through the acquisition of longer range missiles and the development of hypersonic weapons, marking a significant shift in Australia’s defense posture. This move is part of the nation’s overarching transition towards a “fifth-generation” air force, a comprehensive project initiated with Australia’s entry into the Joint Strike Fighter program back in 2001 and now gaining momentum with the first National Defence Strategy (NDS) and Integrated Investment Program (IIP).
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles emphasized that “the Royal Australian Air Force will acquire longer range missiles for the Joint Strike Fighters, the Super Hornets and the Growlers. These will variously include: the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile, the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile – Extended Range and the Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile – Extended Range. Work will also continue on the development of hypersonic air-launched weapons for employment on the Super Hornets.”
The government has earmarked a substantial investment, estimated between $28–33 billion, for capabilities that enable the RAAF to undertake expeditionary air operations. This investment includes a fleet enhancement with 20 new-build C-130J aircraft expected to be in service by the late 2020s, as well as upgrades to existing C-17A and KC-30A fleets. Furthermore, $4 billion has been committed to “enhance the ADF’s air intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and maritime patrol and response capabilities” through the P-8A Poseidon and MQ-4C Triton fleets, as well as the continued acquisition of the MC-55A Peregrine.
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy explains that the robustness of the current fleet allows for a delay in replacing the Super Hornet. “We’ve got 72 Joint Strike Fighters, and we’ve got a number of Super Hornets, and we’ve decided to keep the Super Hornets in service for two reasons. One, they’re doing great work. Secondly, the Joint Strike Fighter is even more capable than we initially thought. So we can delay the replacement of the Super Hornet, which frees up funding to invest in more long‑range missiles, for example,”
The RAAF’s air combat capability is also set to benefit from investments totaling $4.3–5.3 billion in the development of the Block 2 MQ-28A Ghost Bat aircraft, a move that will bolster the aircraft’s intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat roles, providing much-needed mass to the Air Force.
With the Army positioned as the “long-range strike” partner of choice for Defense through the acquisition of HIMARS and systems like the Precision Strike Missile, the Air Force’s function appears somewhat undefined beyond the “application of expeditionary air power.”
Relevant articles:
– We know what’s in, but what’s out? Assessing the reprioritisations and the ‘cuts’ of the IIP and NDS (Part 3), defenceconnect.com.au
– We know whats in, but whats out? Assessing the reprioratisations and the “cuts” of the IIP and NDS (Part 1), defenceconnect.com.au
– Breaking the barriers: Reforming US export controls to realise the potential of AUKUS, United States Studies Centre