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Australian Minister of Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy has met with US officials during a visit to the Pentagon this week.
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Minister Conroy met with US Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks during the visit on 22 October.
Both officials discussed ways to strengthen the alliance between the United States and Australia, as well as reaffirming their commitment to continuing to advance cooperation with regional allies and partners in support of a shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific. They also reviewed the status of co-production and co-development of key capabilities under Australia’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise.
The two officials had previously met in April this year to discuss defence industrial cooperation between the United States and Australia.
“We live in the greatest arms race in our region since 1945 with a high degree of strategic uncertainty. You just have to look at the lessons from the Ukraine conflict to understand the importance of air defence and the ability to defend against missile threats,” Minister Conroy said during a press conference held in Washington DC on 22 October.
“That (is) why (Australia is) acquiring the SM‑2 IIIC missile, which is the best medium-range air defence missile in the world, and that’s why we’re acquiring the SM‑6 missile, which is the best long-range air defence missile in the world. And importantly, the SM‑6 has the ability to defeat ballistic missiles in their terminal attack phase and also has good anti-ship strike capability, and that complements the naval strike missile.
“This is about equipping the Royal Australian Navy with the best possible missiles as part of our commitment to giving us the ... strongest Defence Force to help keep Australians safe.
“Australia is facing the most contested geostrategic environment since the Second World War. Our relationships with allies and partners are critical. Over the past week, I visited the United Kingdom and Belgium to meet with counterparts and attend the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, NATO, Defence Ministers Meeting and in Washington DC. I’m meeting with US officials and industry leaders to progress efforts to strengthen our relationship and deepen our collaboration on the defence industry.
“I acknowledge the active and continuing commitment of the United States to working with us to ensure the safety and security of Australia and our Indo–Pacific region.
“The highest duty of any government is to keep Australians safe and to do that, we need to invest in the best capability for the Royal Australian Navy, and that’s why we’re spending $7 billion to acquire the best medium and long-range air defence missiles in the world.”
