The Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Hobart-class guided missile destroyer (DDG) HMAS Brisbane has test fired a Tomahawk cruise missile for the first time ever off the coast of San Diego, US. 

With the successful event, Australia joins the US and the UK as one of the few nations to acquire and launch these missiles. 

HMAS Brisbane is the second of three Hobart-class destroyer, which are based on the Navantia-designed F100 frigate and equipped with the Aegis Combat System.  

These ships were constructed in Australia by the Air Warfare Destroyer Alliance.  

In 2019, HMAS Brisbane participated in a live missile engagement with the US Navy. 

Aligned with the 2024 National Defence Strategy priorities, the Australian Government is focused on accelerating the acquisition of long-range strike capabilities for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).  

Australia Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles said: “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.  

“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 Tomahawk missile, with a range of up to 2,500km, enables maritime platforms to execute long-range precision strikes against land targets. 

Australia plans to acquire more than 200 Tomahawk missiles for deployment on Hobart-class destroyers and future Navy platforms, including Virginia-class submarines and potentially Hunter-class frigates, pending feasibility studies. 

The Australian Government is investing A$1.3bn ($832m) to acquire this capability for the Navy, introducing it into service several years ahead of the original schedule. 

This recent Tomahawk test follows earlier firings of the Naval Strike Missile and Standard Missile 6 and demonstrates the Government’s commitment to rapidly enhancing the lethality of the Navy’s surface combatant fleet.  

Australia Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Minister Conroy said: “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. 

“The acquisition of Tomahawks, along with Naval Strike Missile and Standard Missile 6, is a game-changer for our ADF and comes years ahead of what was previously planned.”