Australia Gets New Missile Launchers, Orders $200 Million in Torpedoes for AUKUS Subs

2 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) launcher vehicles arrive in Australia as the government orders $200 million missiles for AUKUS submarines.

Australia's Minister of Defence Richard Marles (C) speaks to soldiers at the announcement of the accelerated delivery of Australia's first High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) at the Australian International Airshow at the Australian International Airshow in Avalon on March 24, 2025. WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images

Australia is continuing its purchase of U.S.-made weaponry, taking delivery of two High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) launcher vehicles and placing an order for $200 million ($125 million) worth of MK-48 heavy torpedos, destined for use on its AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines.

The HIMARS, the first of 42 ordered for the Australian Defence Force (ADF), offer long‑range precision strike capability at ranges of more than 500 kilometres (310 miles).