US Strategic Command officials discussed deeper cooperation with Australia on ballistic missile defense, space operations, and cyber capabilities during a visit to Canberra, Australia, Nov. 5. “This visit reaffirms the strength of the US-Australian alliance, its strategic importance to regional security, and our shared commitment to combating regional and global security challenges,” said STRACOM boss Adm. Cecil Haney. “Australia is an ally that shares our foundational values and has the capacity and capability for cooperation on a range of issues,” he added. STRATCOM signed a combined space operations memo with several allies, including Australia, earlier this year. Australia is invested in the US’ Wideband Global SATCOM satellite constellation, and is also partnering with the US on space surveillance and on-orbit debris tracking.
The Pentagon has concluded a new agreement to buy laser-guidance kits that turn rockets into drone-killing weapons. BAE Systems and the Defense Department announced a framework deal of up to seven years for 25,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System guidance kits annually for the U.S. military.