The weapons have been used in virtually every maritime conflict since the 14th century, but fell out of favour with Western naval leaders in recent decades, including in Australia
Australia will spend up to $1 billion on high-tech underwater weapons to deter China from sending ships into our waters.Naval experts say sea mines are the most effective weapons system ever deployed in maritime warfare.Australia will make its first major investment in sea mines since the Vietnam War, spending up to $1 billion on high-tech underwater weapons to deter China and other potential adversaries from sending ships and submarines into the nation’s waters.
: “Defence is accelerating the acquisition of smart sea mines, which will help to secure sea lines of communication and protect Australia’s maritime approaches.”A department spokesperson noted that modern sea mines can discriminate between military targets and other ships, making them different to indiscriminate land mines.
Marles will receive a sweeping review into the nation’s defence forces at the start of February designed to reshape the nation’s military for modern threats.A launch truck fires the HIMARS long-range missile launcher.Defence expert Peter Jennings, the former head of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said: “In a world where China is investing huge amounts of money in creating a navy with long-range capabilities, sea mines are a sensible counter-measure for Australia to adopt.
“The sea mine is an incredibly flexible weapon system, offering both offensive and defensive options to government,” he said.
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