Australia is boosting the number of High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers it plans to acquire for the defence force as part of the far-reaching defence strategic review.

The land-based, long-range, surface-to-surface HIMARS rocket launcher was built for the US Army and can be mounted on the back of a truck.

The defence industry minister Pat Conroy said on Saturday $1.6 billion will be spent on expanding and accelerating Australia’s long-range precision strike capability, taking the number of HIMARS Australia owns to 42.

“As well as acquiring HIMARS from the US, the government is taking important steps towards domestic missile manufacturing, aiming to both build up Australia’s defence industry, protect our supply chains and contribute to easing global demand,” he said.

Australia will manufacture HIMARS-compatible missiles locally from 2025, which was announced by the US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin when he visited Australia last month for AUKUS talks.

‘Significant capability boost’

The government’s plan is to procure missiles with a range extending beyond 500 kilometres.

Secretary Austin was joined by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken when they met with their Australian counterparts in Brisbane in July to announce the US will help Australia produce guided multiple-launch rocket systems within two years.

On Saturday, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said the government recognised that a long-range strike capability is critical to the defence of Australia’s national interests.

“The accelerated acquisition of additional High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launchers provide the Australian Army with a significant capability boost, ensuring it has the resources it needs,” he said.

Mr Conroy said building in Australia will help protect supply chains.

“Australia is investing in enhanced long-range capabilities across all domains, which will deliver a persistent, long-range, all weather, rapid response capability that is operationally deployable and tactically mobile.”

-AAP