Es el SM-2 IIIA, al menos fué lo solicitado
Subject: Australian request for SM-2
AMTP10E 6/27/2005 8:08:48 AM
JANE'S DEFENCE INDUSTRY - JULY 01, 2005
PROGRAMME UPDATE - US Congress notified of Australian request for SM-2
anti-air missiles
James Murphy
Key points:
*Australia requests Foreign Military Sale of SM-2 anti-air missiles by the US.
*The request is another sign that Australia is committed to pressing ahead with its new Air Warfare Destroyer programme, analysts say.
THE US Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress of a
possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Australia of SM-2 Block IIIA
Standard Missiles, worth up to US$315 million.
The Australian government has requested the sale of 175 SM-2 anti-air
missiles, up to 30 telemetry missiles and up to two SM-2 Inert Operational missiles.
The deal would also include canisters, containers, spare and repair parts, supply support, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, US government and contractor technical assistance, and other related logistical support.
The Royal Australian Navy intends to use the SM-2 missiles on four of its Adelaide-class Guided Missile Frigates, which will be capable of firing the missiles following government approval of a A$550 million (US$411.6 million) upgrade of their area air-defence missile systems.
The upgrade of HMA Ships Darwin, Melbourne, Newcastle and Sydney will be completed by early 2009.
The request also signifies Australia's intent to press ahead with its new Air Warfare Destroyers (AWDs), which will also be fitted with the SM-2. In recent weeks, the AWD project has taken significant steps forward, including requesting the AEGIS combat system from the US and selecting ASC Shipbuilding to build the ships.
Richard Scott, naval editor of Jane's Defence Weekly, said: "The SM-2 is the arrow to the AEGIS bow. All that remains for the AWD is to select the design of the ship."
Ornatus mei arma sunt requies mea pugnare
"Me gusta pensar que todo comenzó por los marinos....." Galileo Galilei