Australia’s ground based air defence systems will be enhanced dramatically under plans announced by Defence Minister Robert Hill today.

The plans involve the development of a significant air defence training simulator at Woodside in South Australia and the purchase of additional missile systems.

Senator Hill made the announcement during a visit to the 16^th Air Defence Regiment in Woodside, South Australia.

"The events of 11 September have demonstrated to the world the importance of being able to defend our skies," Senator Hill said.

"Defence is engaged in several programs to enhance the Army’s ground based air defence capabilities.

"Key to this is the release to industry this week of a worldwide request for tender for the provision of the simulator that will provide high quality and cost effective training for Army’s air defence operators.

"This will complement a request for tender that has been released to SAAB-Bofors-Dynamics for the purchase of additional RBS70 missile systems. This will double the RBS70 capability of the 16^th Air Defence Regiment at Woodside, as well as provide better performance in existing systems.

"These enhancements will deliver on the Howard Government’s commitments in the 2000 Defence White Paper."

Senator Hill said the RBS70 developments would provide a significant boost to Australia’s ground based air defence in the short term.

"But we are also preparing to meet the growing demands of the future," Senator Hill said.

"My Department has commenced studies to identify the next generation of ground based air defence missiles to meet our needs. Several hundred million dollars has been programmed in the Defence investment plan over this decade to purchase the new system."

Senator Hill said the Army’s air defence soldiers had proven their value in deployments to the Gulf.

Images relating to this release are available at:
http://www.defence.gov.au/media/gallery/28502.htm