This post is also available in:
עברית (Hebrew)
Despite facing public criticism, Australia remains committed to swiftly developing an integrated air defense system.
Australia’s current air defense array includes the RBS 70 MANPADs, an outdated system designated for shorter ranges, and is due to retire early in the next decade.
according to The Defense Post and VOA, Senior Australian military officials emphasize that the current focus is on integrating systems and sensors before acquiring the required weaponry to counter airborne threats.Top of FormBottom of Form According to them, this stage of the program, which involves building an integrated network that includes sensors, radars, warships and fighter jets is proceeding with “pace,” implying that it is possible we will see a fully actuated missile-defense system from Australia in the near future. However, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, a government-funded research organizations, is adamant that the program must hasten the process, stating that it is moving too slowly.
Experts say that Australia’s advancement in creating an integrated air defense system could stem from tensions between the U.S and China and the possibility of an upcoming Indo-Pacific regional conflict, as well as the wars in Israel and Ukraine emphasizing the cruciality of having strong air defense in face of adversary forces.
However, Australian military officials insist on doing things in an orderly manner. Air Commodore Benjamin Sleeman of the Royal Australian Air Force told reporters that “There is no use buying whatever missile or whatever launch system or whatever radar you have if you do not have the right thing to plug it into. You will just have another system sitting out there. We have got some really great systems, and then we will look at procuring those other things when the timing is right”.
