Australia should pursue road-mobile ballistic missiles and partner with either Israel or South Korea to quickly acquire and domestically produce them, according to a defense expert. The move is proposed to bolster the Australian Defence Force’s self-reliance and deliver a strong independent deterrence in an era of increasing strategic uncertainty.
The Case for Ballistic Missiles
Ross Babbage argues that Australia needs long-range strike capabilities, even when facing a major power adversary, and that the possibility exists the U.S. may not provide support in a future crisis. He suggests acquiring a select range of independent capabilities that are difficult to counter, affordable, and produced domestically.
Road-mobile ballistic missiles are hard to intercept, can strike targets over thousands of kilometers in minutes, and allow attacks without risking friendly lives. They are also difficult to locate before launch when used with decoys, camouflage, and concealment, as demonstrated during the 1991 Gulf War when U.S. and allied forces struggled to find Iraqi ground-launched missiles.
While not a complete deterrent on their own, Australian Army road-mobile ballistic missiles would raise the cost of any potential attack on the country.
Requirements and Partnership
These missiles would require a long range and the ability to navigate without satellite signals, relying on onboard sensors to home in on targets. They would also need penetration aids like decoys and electronic countermeasures, as well as multiple independently targetable warheads per missile.
To achieve this capability quickly, Australia should partner with a country already producing ballistic missiles of the required range. The partner must be allied or friendly and have no close ties to China, Russia, or Iran, and possess complete indigenous ballistic missile technology.
The partnership would involve three steps: acquiring a stopgap capability including missiles, launchers, and spares; accessing intellectual property and mobilizing local industry for domestic production; and collaborating on the development of longer-range missiles with greater payload and survivability, potentially including those capable of delivering torpedoes against submarines.
Israel and South Korea as Potential Partners
Israel and South Korea are highlighted as advantageous partners due to their experience in manufacturing sensors, warheads, and rockets. Israel’s Jericho 3 has a range of 4,800 to 6,500 kilometers, while South Korea’s Hyunmoo 5 has a range of up to 5,000 kilometers, covering the eastern Indian Ocean and the South China Sea.
Both countries also have expertise in air and missile defense systems, providing a strong understanding of the challenges of missile penetration. South Korea is a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime, but Israel is not, offering an alternative if South Korea is unable to supply the necessary technology.
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