Defence upgrade

Time for missile shields

THE Federal Government is considering upgrading the Navy’s new air warfare destroyers to include missile defence shields after “very irregular behaviour” by North Korea, Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne says.

Following the rogue nation’s latest missile launch, Mr Pyne says Australia may modify the $1.3 billion defence system announced in June to be seaborne rather than landborne.

“In the defence white paper, and the integrated investment plan, upgrades of the warfare destroyer capabilities have been already flagged,” he said yesterday.

But he said a weapon similar to the United States’ landbased missile defence shield could take as long as 10 years to build and cost at least $10 billion. Protection from intercontinental ballistic missiles will also be considered for the nine frigates being built in Adelaide.

The highly lethal subma- rines, also being built in Adelaide, would give Australia a “path to sovereignty” and become the regional power in the South Pacific, Mr Pyne said.

French contractor Naval Group will construct those warships and announced at its headquarters’ launch yesterday it had enlisted three local companies.

Mr Pyne said a recognised definition of a local build was 60 per cent but a major priority of the project would be to maximise local involvement.

Australian industry inclusion is expected to add about 2800 jobs annually — 1100 of those directly employed and 1700 in the supply chain.

Premier Jay Weatherill said the South Australian and federal governments were on the same page on this issue.

“There are just so many jobs that are going to flow from the future submarines, future frigates and future patrol boats program,” he said. AAP

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