Australia will invest AU$24 billion (U.S. $19 billion) over 20 years in its guided weapons program and other initiatives that are intended to significantly improve the capabilities of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). As part of the 20-year plan, the Australian Government will invest $1 billion to commence the early development of advanced guided weapons to enhance the country's maritime security. Among the highlights of Project Sea 1300, announced by Defence Minister Linda Reynolds, are $1 billion to commence the early development of advanced guided weapons, and funding for new mine countermeasures and hydrographic ships for RAN. The major investment will see the navy add maritime weapons such as extended-range surface-to-air missiles, advanced lightweight torpedoes, maritime land strike capabilities and long-range anti-ship missiles. With ranges in excess of 370 kilometres for anti-ship and surface-to-air missiles, and 1500 kilometres for maritime land strike missiles, the new weapons will not only help protect the country's maritime resources and borders but also pose a threat to adversaries. Australia will continue to invest in the international development program for the Evolved Seasparrow Block 2 surface-to-air missile (ESSM). The ESSM is a medium-range, surface-to-air missile developed to protect warships from advanced anti-ship cruise missiles. BAE Systems is the lead Australian participant in a twelve-nation industrial collaboration led by Raytheon Missile Systems. Project Sea 1300 funds will be used to further develop the SM-2 Block IIIC and SM-6 Block I missiles as well. Australia is the latest among a growing number of countries in the Asia Pacific region that are developing their maritime capabilities, including the induction of long-range strike weapons. “All of these new weapons will enhance the protection of our maritime resources and also our nation’s border," said Defence Minister Linda Reynolds. "They will also hold potential adversaries out to much greater distances — up to 1,500 kilometers.” Australia also plans to add eight role-adaptable ships for mine countermeasures and hydrographic missions under Project Sea 1905. The ships will be a variant of the Arafura-class offshore patrol vessels that are currently under construction for the Navy. “The planned acquisitions – when aligned with the ongoing state-of-the-art combat system development and National shipbuilding programs – represent an investment of up to $24 billion, which will build a lethal and highly responsive Navy for decades to come," said Reynolds. "The project also seeks opportunities to broaden Australia’s weapons manufacturing base."
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