Working Papers: The Royal Australian Navy and Theatre Ballistic Missile Defence

Abstract

The RAN is acquiring a new class of warship for the air defence role, the Hobart class DDGH, which will deliver capabilities similar to those of AEGIS-equipped US Navy ships. The value of an AEGIS system is that it will allow the development and introduction of a Theatre Ballistic Missile Defence (TBMD) system if required. This paper explores whether Australia should attempt to acquire TBMD as a capability.