HMAS Brisbane Successfully Fires Tomahawk Cruise Missile: A Historic Capability Milestone

MEDIA RELEASE Date: 10 Dec 2024

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, today announced a significant milestone in Australia’s defence capabilities with the successful test firing of a Tomahawk cruise missile by HMAS Brisbane, a Hobart-class destroyer. The test and evaluation activity was conducted off the west coast of the United States.

This achievement positions Australia as one of only three nations, alongside the United States and United Kingdom, to acquire and now fire the Tomahawk missile—a world-class capability with an extended range of up to 2,500km, enabling long-range precision strikes against land targets.

Celebrating the milestone, Minister Marles stated:

“The successful test firing of the Tomahawk missile demonstrates the strength of our alliance and defence cooperation with the United States, in support of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region. Acquiring this capability significantly enhances the ADF’s ability to deter against any potential threat and keep Australians safe.”

Minister Marles highlighted the strategic importance of enhancing Australia’s defence capabilities:

“By enhancing our own Defence capabilities, and by working with partners, we change the calculus for any potential aggressor so that no state will ever conclude the benefits of conflict outweigh the risks.”

The successful firing of the Tomahawk missile builds on earlier demonstrations of advanced maritime capabilities, including the Naval Strike Missile and Standard Missile 6. This rapid progress underscores the Albanese Government’s commitment to enhancing the lethality of the Royal Australian Navy’s surface combatant fleet.

Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy, echoed the Deputy Prime Minister’s sentiments, adding:

“The Tomahawk is the jewel in the crown and a step change in our firepower, deterrence, and ability to strike land-based targets at ranges never before available to the Royal Australian Navy.”

Australia will acquire over 200 Tomahawk missiles for deployment across Hobart-class destroyers, future Virginia-class submarines, and, subject to feasibility studies, Hunter-class frigates.

This milestone marks another step forward in the Albanese Government’s efforts to deliver cutting-edge defence capabilities and strengthen Australia’s contribution to regional and global security.