Aegis warfare system chosen

THE Aegis air warfare system has been selected as the core of the combat system for Australia’s new air warfare destroyers.

Defence Minister Robert Hill said the Aegis system was capable of detecting and defeating multiple hostile aircraft and missiles at ranges of more than 150km.

“It will provide significantly increased protection from air attack for troops being transported and deployed, long-range area air warfare defence for a Navy task group and coordinated air picture for the more effective deployment of fighter and surveillance aircraft,” Mr Hill said.

The first of three new air warfare destroyers will be delivered in 2013.

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