Defence: Weapon Systems

Senator Chris Evans asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 24 April 2002:

With reference to the ground-based air defence weapon systems (GBADWSs):

1. Can the Minister confirm that the Australian Defence Force (ADF) uses the Rapier weapon system as the main GBADWS.
2. When did that system enter service.
3. What is the proposed end of life for this system.
4. Currently how much does it cost to purchase each of the missiles for this system.
5. (a) How many missiles are fired from this system each year for training purposes; and (b) does this level of use ensure required skills, as specified by the ADF, are maintained for all units required to use this system.
6. (a) Was this system deployed as part of security arrangements for the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting; and (b) why were F-18s used to provide air defence for the site, given the existence of the GBADWS.
7. With reference to the JP 117 system, what is the expected in-service delivery date.
8. Is there a gap between the end of life for the current GBADWS and the next system; if so, why.
9. (a) In the period between the end of life for the Rapier system and the delivery of the JP 117 system, what GBADWS will be used in the ADF; (b) what is the capability of this interim system; (c) will it provide the necessary ground-based air defence for ADF units; and (d) will the interim system provide the equivalent capability of the current Rapier system.

Senator Hill - The answer to the honourable senator's question is as follows:

1. The Army is equipped with GBADWS - Rapier and RBS 70. RBS 70 is a point defence system maintained at a high degree of readiness and Rapier is a limited area defence system, maintained at a medium degree of readiness.
2. Rapier entered service in 1980.
3. The current planning date is 2005.
4. The missiles when last purchased were at a cost of about $56,000 per missile, in 1995 prices.
5. 1. Each year sufficient missiles are fired to prove system reliability and operator performance. The precise numbers are classified information. (b) Yes.
6. 1. No.
   2. This was a decision of Government.
7. The current planning date is 2009.
8. See 9(a).
9. 1. The RBS 70 Short Range Air Defence System.
   2. The RBS 70 is not an 'interim' capability.
   3. Defence constantly looks to improve capabilities to ensure that they remain viable against evolving threats. Rapier and RBS 70 were acquired to meet a defined threat level. Project JP 117 proposes to address GBAD developments since the introduction of existing GBAD systems and overcome any perceived deficiencies.
   4. Yes.

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