Australia has become the third country in the world, after the US and the UK, to test Tomahawk cruise missiles. The move marks a milestone in the country's defence capabilities. The Australian government has allocated $1,3 billion to purchase more than 200 of the missiles, which have a range of 2400-2500 kilometres.

According to experts, Australia has acquired RGM-109E Tomahawk Block IV and Block V modifications equipped with the most modern guidance systems. They are based on inertial navigation systems (INS), GPS correction, optical-electronic correlation using reference images of the terrain and a radar altimeter. Thanks to these technologies, the missiles achieve a minimum circular error probable (CEP) of up to 5 meters, which makes them especially accurate.

The Tomahawk's cruising speed is about 830-930 km/h, and its low-altitude flight altitude does not exceed 50 meters, which allows the missile to effectively bypass enemy air defense systems. In addition, Australia is considering equipping its Hobart-class destroyers with a modification of the Tomahawk Block V MST missile designed for anti-ship warfare. The range of such missiles will be up to 1600 kilometers.

The measures are part of a broader effort to modernise Australia's military and strengthen its position in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. The new missiles are being integrated into what is expected to be "multi-domain operations" aimed at deterring China's naval capabilities. The Australian Navy plans to operate in close coordination with allies including the US, Japan and the UK.

Experts link Australia's actions to growing tensions in the region, where China continues to strengthen its presence in the South China Sea.

Tomahawk is an American long-range cruise missile designed to destroy ground targets. It was first adopted for service in 1983. It has a range of up to 2500 kilometers and high accuracy due to the use of GPS and TERCOM navigation systems. The missile can carry both a conventional and a nuclear warhead. Its main application is strikes on strategic objects with minimal risk to the crews. Tomahawks are used from ships, submarines and aircraft, and were widely used in conflicts in the Middle East, Yugoslavia and other regions.