The
Navy’s new Air Warfare Destroyers will form an important part
of a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in missile defence
to be signed by Australia and the United States this month.
“Our new Air Warfare Destroyers will be equipped with radars capable
not only of detecting aircraft and anti-ship missiles, but also
ballistic missiles,” Defence Minister Senator Robert Hill said.
“This information could comprise part of the missile defence network
to provide early warning of an impending attack.”
Senator Hill said the MOU would formalise Australia’s commitment
to missile defence.
“We intend to sign the MOU at the next Australia- United States
Ministerial Consultations,” Senator Hill said.
“The MOU will provide a 25-year framework under which broad areas
of cooperation can be agreed.”
