Unveiling Australia's missile defense system: How was the "Great Wall of Steel" from land to sea built?

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A three-dimensional missile defense system is quietly taking shape on Australia's vast territory and long coastline. This "three-in-one" defense network consisting of land-based, sea-based, and air-based missiles is not only the cornerstone of national security, but also an important force in the strategic balance of the South Pacific region. This article will take you to a comprehensive analysis of the composition and strategic significance of this "Great Wall of Steel".

1. The four pillars of Australia's missile system

1. Land Guardian: Army Missile System

The missile systems equipped by the Australian Army are known for their mobility and precision strikes:
- Javelin anti-tank missile: The latest fourth-generation portable missile purchased has a range of 4 kilometers
- NASAMS Air Defense System: A medium-range air defense system jointly developed with Norway, with an interception altitude of 15 kilometers
- Ground-launched cruise missile: New long-range strike system to be deployed in 2023, with a range of more than 1,000 kilometers

2. The Great Wall on the Sea: Navy Ship-borne Missiles

The main warships of the Royal Australian Navy are equipped with advanced missile systems:
- Hobart-class destroyer: equipped with SM-2/6 air defense missiles (range 240 km)
- ANZAC-class frigates: equipped with Sea Sparrow air defense missiles and Harpoon anti-ship missiles
- Attack submarines: MK48 heavy torpedoes and UGM-84 submarine-launched anti-ship missiles

3. Air Sword: Air Force Missile Equipment

The Australian Air Force has formed a multi-level air strike system:
- F/A-18F "Super Hornet": equipped with AIM-120C air-to-air missiles (range 120 km)
- F-35A stealth fighter: built-in JSM joint strike missile (range 500 kilometers)
- EA-18G Growler: Equipped with anti-radiation missiles and long-range cruise missiles

4. Strategic Deterrence: Long-Range Strike Force

Under the AUKUS agreement, Australia is building new strategic capabilities:
- Hypersonic missile development program (expected to be tested in 2025)
- Submarine-launched strategic missiles carried by nuclear-powered submarines
- Satellite-guided long-range precision strike system

II. Issues Related to Australia’s Missile System

1. Main strategic directions of missile deployment

Australia's missile deployment is characterized by "heavy in the north and light in the south", with about 75% of defense forces concentrated in the northern corridor between Darwin and Cairns. This area is not only a key sea route to Asia, but also a core area for offshore resource development.

2. Ratio of domestically produced to imported equipment

At present, local research and development accounts for about 35%, mainly involving guidance systems and ammunition production. The "Sovereign Guided Weapons Program" launched in 2022 is expected to increase the localization rate to 60% by 2030, and will build the largest missile production base in the Asia-Pacific region in South Australia.

3. Integration with the US missile defense system

Through the "Space Surveillance Program" and the "Joint Global Command System", Australia's missile early warning system has achieved data sharing with the US military. The joint early warning center established by the two sides in Guam can achieve a 15-minute early warning response to ballistic missiles.

4. Technology transfer in the civilian sector

Missile technology is spilling over into the civilian sector:
- Rocket engine technology for satellite launch
- Guidance systems for mining automation equipment
- Thermal imaging technology transferred to firefighting drones

3. Future Development Trends

According to the 2023 National Defense Strategic Review, Australia will invest A$100 billion in the development of missile systems over the next decade, with key areas including:
1. Establish a missile early warning satellite network covering the entire territory
2. Develop AI-assisted smart ammunition
3. Build a floating missile platform at sea
4. Develop directed energy defense systems

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