Defence has unveiled a new agreement with Raytheon to support the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System.
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The federal government confirmed that they have signed a $111 million agreement with Raytheon Australia for the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAM), a joint venture by Raytheon-Kongsberg.
Part of the LAND 19 Phase 7B, the agreement is expected to help Defence achieve its new short-range ground-based air defence capabilities.
The revelation comes following the unveiling of Raytheon Australia's new Centre for Joint Integration in South Australia.
Minister for Defence Peter Dutton welcomed the announcement demonstrating the huge impact that it will have on Australia's defence capabilities.
“The Centre for Joint Integration will contribute to the development of some of Australia’s most important defence capabilities,” Minister Dutton said.
“It will serve as Raytheon’s main site for the manufacture, assembly and systems integration in Australia and will play a pivotal role in supporting and sustaining the new short-range ground-based air defence capability.”
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price outlined that the investment was part of the government's $270 billion windfall for the defence industry.
“The construction of the Centre for Joint Integration has created 200 construction jobs since the sod was turned in March 2019 and Raytheon expects that a further 300 ongoing jobs across the defence industry will be created by the facility,” Minister Price said.
“We already recognise Raytheon’s outstanding contribution to the Royal Australian Navy’s capabilities in South Australia.
“This new facility will not only build on that foundation, but now also deliver and support critical capabilities for the Australian Army.”
[Related: Defence to invest $1bn in new long-range missile capability]