The Australian Government will purchase 220 Tomahawk missiles from the US in March to boost self-defence.

The $1.3 billion investment in long-range missiles will be a part of the $1.7 billion plan to increase the country’s self-defence and military capabilities. Australia will be one of three countries to acquire the missiles after the USA and the UK.

The Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) are primarily launched from ships and submarines. They have a range of up to 1500km.

In an interview with ABC Radio, Minister of the Defence Industry Pat Conroy said the purchase is to maintain strategic balance in Australia’s military defence.

“The way you do that is investing in our military capabilities to deter potential aggression, but also that we invest in diplomacy and international efforts through foreign aid. We’re doing both,” he said. “This is about deterring conflict. This is about placing question marks in any potential adversaries’ mind that Australia could respond if challenged.”

The Australian Air Force will also acquire more than 60 advanced anti-radiation guided missile – extended range (AARGM-ER) as part of the purchase from the US under a $431 million spend.

More than $50 million will also be spent to arm the Australian Army’s boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles (CRV) with Spike long-range 2 anti-tank guided missiles.

Conroy said this purchase is important to ensure the nation will remain protected.

“In the end, the only way we pursue peace and stability is by presenting strength and this is what this is about,” he said.

“We need to respond to that to ensure that Australia is in a position to protect ourselves.”

The TLAM will be the fifth type of missile that federal government has acquired.

PHOTO: Firing Zelzal 3 missile by Mohammad Sadegh Heydari is available HERE and is used under a Creative Commons Licence. This photo has not been modified.